I do not own Harry Potter, the Wizarding World, or any canon characters.
A Taste of Magic
155th Course – Problems in Media
"Hey look."
Harry looked at where Pansy was pointing and saw an eagle owl sitting on the sill of the window, pecking the glass politely. Harry walked over and opened it, letting the owl walk in. The owl was very stately and bobbed his head with impeccable manners to Harry and offered the envelope he held to him. When he was offered some water and some owl treats, he looked surprised but accepted them with grave propriety before hooting his thanks and leaving.
"That was a very proper owl," Pansy remarked when Harry walked back over with the envelope.
"He really was," Harry said. He looked at the envelope. "Wow, this is a fancy envelope. Probably a very formal owl for a formal message. It's from the ICW." Before he could open it, he could hear a rattling that steadily grew louder.
"I think your vase is having an episode," Millicent remarked, pointing at the small vase that sat on the rack. It was bouncing up and down, the lid rattling loudly.
"Hmm, I wonder who's sending me a message," Harry said, walking over to it and bringing it over to the table where the others were.
"What is it?" Millicent asked. "What do you mean message?"
"It's called a voiceless vase," Harry said. "Grandfather invented it. It's a way to send letters to other vases if you don't have access to post or owl or Floo." He fished out the parchment within and unrolled it. "Oh, it's from Mr. Drake. He wants to talk to me." He scribbled a reply and put the parchment back within the vase. Once the lid was put back on, the vase glowed and stilled.
After a few moments, the small Floo fire in the corner burst into life and Drake's head appeared in the flames. He looked around hurriedly before seeing Harry and through the Floo's flame, it was obvious that Drake looked relieved for some reason. "Ah, Harry, how are you? And hello my young friends! Good to see you all."
"Hi Mr. Drake, I'm well, thanks," Harry said and the others there waved and made their greetings. Harry narrowed his eyes a little. "Are you okay? You look a little…rumpled."
Drake laughed loudly and exuberantly, smoothing his hair back. "Oh I am fine, thank you for asking. Do not worry about me. I apologize for the short notice but, uh, well, have you received a letter from the ICW?"
"That's funny, I literally just got it before you sent me a message in the vase," Harry said, holding it up. "I was about to open it-"
"Do not!" Drake nearly shouted, shocking them all. He coughed awkwardly. "I mean, please, do not open it. Quite yet. Also, if you could be so kind, do not open any missives from the ICW without me there. I am coming soon and will explain everything."
"Is something wrong?" Harry held the letter between his thumb and forefinger and as far as his arm would stretch. "Am I in trouble or something?"
"What? No! No no no, you are not," Drake said swiftly. "Just…well, I wish to prevent some trouble, so to speak."
"Should I mention this to someone?" Harry asked.
Drake sighed deeply. "I suppose your grandparents would want to know and Albus too. Yes, that should be fine. Go tell Albus and I will be there shortly. See you soon!" Drake's head disappeared and the fire went out in the hearth.
"That was weird," the Patils said together.
"I've never seen him like that," Pansy said, looking at first the hearth, then Harry, then the envelope. "Have you?"
"No," Harry said, shaking his head. "I better go to the Headmaster. If it makes Mr. Drake act nervous, it has to be something serious."
-0-
"Yes?" Dumbledore smiled as Harry walked into his office. "Ah, Harry! Hello there my boy. What brings you by today?"
"I just had the weirdest thing happen with Mr. Drake," Harry said. "He sent me a message wanting to talk to me on Floo, then he asked if I got a letter from the ICW which I did right before he messaged me. When I said I was going to open it, he got really loud and said don't. Then said he's on his way and I could tell you and Grandfather and Grandmother."
Dumbledore frowned as Harry recounted the recent events and looked at the letter with concern and wariness. "Drake is not one to cause alarm unless there is some. The letter is from the ICW?"
"Yes Sir, the Department of Media specifically," Harry said, reading who the letter was from. "It's from someone named E. Bathory."
Dumbledore coughed loudly, having taken the wrong moment to take a fortifying sip of tea. He pounded his chest with his fist and waved a hand at Harry's alarm. "I am fine. Do not worry." He dabbed his lips clean with a handkerchief and he looked at the letter with guarded amusement. "I think I know why Drake is concerned now."
"Is it bad?" Harry asked with trepidation.
"Yes and no. I better contact Nicolas and Perenelle." Dumbledore rubbed his face wearily. "And Ariana actually."
"Really? Auntie Ari?"
"She would have my beard if I kept her from this," he sighed knowingly. He threw some Floo powder into the fireplace. "The Flamel Estate." They waited for a few moments and then Nicolas' head appeared in the Floo.
"Albus? You called? Ah Harry! Hello!" Nicolas frowned at Dumbledore. "Do not punish my grandson for anything unless he deserved it! And even then!"
"He is not in trouble, yet," Dumbledore said with a small wry smile.
"What do you mean, yet?" Nicolas asked, looking serious.
"He received a letter from the ICW Department of Media," Dumbledore said.
"And?"
"Specifically from E. Bathory."
Nicolas' snorted deeply. "Ah. Did Drake contact you?"
"He did, through contacting Harry first," Dumbledore said.
"Right, on the way over then," Nicolas said and his head disappeared.
"I'm starting to freak out a little," Harry confessed.
"I promise it is nothing to truly be concerned over," Dumbledore said. He walked over to one of his bookshelves and picked up a familiar looking silver bell. He rang it a few times and put it back. "Yet, anyways."
"Not exactly filling me with confidence, Sir," Harry said. "Yet, anyways," he added.
Dumbledore chuckled appreciatively. "I think in the end, this will be more amusing than not, but precautions are better when made before the fact and not after."
"What do you want?" Ariana's head appeared in the Floo and she looked at her brother with curiosity. "Oh hi Harry dear! Al! Don't punish Harry for anything!"
"He is not in trouble," Dumbledore sighed.
"Yet, allegedly," Harry added.
"What do you mean, yet?" Ariana demanded, staring at her brother.
"He received a letter from the ICW, specifically from Bathory-" Dumbledore began.
"I'm coming over," Ariana said flatly, and her head disappeared from the flames.
"Should I know who this Bathory is?" Harry asked.
"You might have heard the name before but no, you should not," Dumbledore said. After a few more minutes, the fire roared into a full flame and Nicolas and Perenelle appeared.
"Hello cheri!" Perenelle said, vanishing the soot and ash and hugging and kissing Harry warmly. "Is Bathory here?" she asked, looking about.
"No, we have not opened the letter yet, and Drake is on the way apparently," Dumbledore said.
"Oh good," Perenelle said.
"As is Ari," Dumbledore sighed.
"Oh good!" Perenelle smiled. "Even better."
The fire roared once more and Ariana stepped into the office. Harry's eyes widened when he saw that she had her wand in one hand and a large wooden barbed stake in the other.
"She is not here, Ari," Dumbledore sighed, seeing the stake.
"I know, just brought it in case she will be," Ariana said, looking rather annoyed.
"Okay, freaking out officially," Harry said, looking at them.
"Oh do not worry, cheri," Perenelle soothed. "It is nothing too bad. You will be safe."
The door to the office opened and Drake walked in swiftly, looking as rumpled as he did before on the Floo call. He sighed when he saw the Flamels and winced seeing Ariana there. "Ah, I see we are all here."
"You might want to assuage Harry's fears," Dumbledore said with impressive lightness. "He is, as he said, 'freaking out', somewhat. Officially even."
"My apologies," Drake said contritely. "I did not mean to alarm you."
"You did a good job of it without meaning to," Harry joked feebly, making them laugh.
"Yes well, you know how I am given to bombastic demeanor and all," Drake said.
"Which is why I take you seriously when you're not," Harry said.
"How very astute of you," Drake beamed. He sighed once more and became serious. "So, the ICW has a Department of the Media as you now know. Their role is to deal with communications on an international level as well as help keep the magical worlds quiet and all that to the non-magical community. It is a very busy job with many sub departments. There is one who is responsible for sharing events throughout the different magical cultures and providing commentary and reporting. Typically things of an entertainment nature, working with the more new Department of Entertainment."
"So this has to do with the Rising Stars and the World's Kitchen," Harry said.
"Right. Since there are now only three contestants, congratulations by the way. I am so proud of you and knew you would get there and-" He noticed the looks on the others and sighed again. "Back to the important information. Now that there are three of you and since this competition has been rather thrilling for many reasons, the ICW department is going to put forth a booklet of what has happened since the start, pictures and the like, and they want to interview the three of you. In-depth interviews to show who you are, where you are from, and all that."
"Okay," Harry said. "Sounds reasonable, I guess. But why are you so rumpled over it?"
"Because…well." Drake tried to smooth his features and coughed awkwardly.
"Oh dear God and Merlin and powers above and below and all that," Nicolas sighed. He looked at Harry. "His ex-wife is in charge of a part of the department and she is the one that sent you that letter."
"We never married!" Drake said loudly. "No official union! Therefore the title is inappropriate!"
Harry blinked, trying to process the information while the Flamels laughed and Dumbledore gave Drake a sympathetic look. "Wow, that must mean work for you can be kinda awkward, huh?"
"Well luckily our departments are on the other side of the premise from each other and our duties do not intersect much at all. And I typically work with others when the need arises," Drake said limply.
"No offense, but why are you so rumpled over it again?" Harry asked.
"Because she's another Eld," Ariana said flatly. "From another bloodline, a powerful one."
"And I have reason to believe that she is personally interested because of our friendship," Drake grumbled, "the friendship between you and I, I mean. Because, before, she would never do something so plebeian as to interview a very new and young person to any industry. She reserves her time and efforts for more powerful and influential people."
He smiled broadly at Harry. "None of that is a slight against you of course. I am only stating simple truths."
"None taken, really," Harry said. He looked at Ariana with concern. "Did she try to hurt you before?"
Ariana smiled and hugged him tightly. "Bless you. No, she didn't. One of her brood tried to trick me and got really close to it and I sorta made a promise to take revenge when I can. You know me, I carry a grudge."
Harry felt a little better. "So, am I in danger?"
"I do not think so, but I would not put it past her to try and cause some trouble because it amuses her as well as being petty and spiteful to me," Drake grumbled. "She is a professional, most of the time, but I rather not leave things to chance if I can help it."
Perenelle held the letter in her hands and waved her wand over it, murmuring softly. "It is clean. No charms or foreign substances." At her nod, Harry took it and opened it carefully. When nothing else happened, he took the letter out and cleared his throat.
To Harry J. Potter,
It is a delight to make your acquaintance. I am Edwina Victoria Bathory, a Director of the Department of Media for the International Confederation of Wizards. As you may surmise from the description, I am responsible for reporting and journalistic endeavors that impact the international wizarding community.
I would like to offer my congratulations for becoming part of the final three for the Rising Stars Competition of the World's Kitchen! No mean feat for one at such a tender young age. We are working in conjunction with them and will be compiling a magazine describing all that has happened up until now. As part of the magazine, there will be interviews with you, Celine Beaufort, and Kaito Sakai where the world will get to know you on a more intimate level.
I would like to conduct your interview. If you would be so kind, please let me know some dates that would work for you. We can have the interview anywhere and I would be more than happy to host you at any one of the major buildings the ICW has around the world or anywhere that would provide you comfort and ease.
Awaiting your reply.
Sincerely,
Edwina Victoria Bathory, Director of ICW Media.
"May I?" Drake took the letter from Harry and his expression curdled. "She hand wrote it! She never does that! That is her handwriting!"
"It does seem like Drake is correct in thinking that something else might be at play here," Dumbledore said, shaking his head.
"Did you really have to let your personal life mess with Harry's?" Ariana asked flatly.
"I did not want it to happen! Do not blame me!" Drake cried, deeply affronted.
"It is not completely Drake's fault," Perenelle said with a broad smile. "I have met her and she is very petty."
"Birds of a feather," Nicolas hummed.
"Do not talk of me of birds," Drake quacked and the two men glared daggers at each other.
Harry smiled, seeing two men he deeply respected act like children around him. "I could refuse the interview or ask for someone else, right?"
"You have no idea how tenacious she is," Drake sighed wearily. "She will go to extreme lengths to get what she wants."
"Who broke up with who, by the way?" Ariana asked, making the Flamels laugh and Dumbledore shot her a disapproving look.
"None of your business," Drake sniffed, looking away.
Harry suppressed a laugh. "Well, if it has to happen, we might as well make it happen on our terms, right?"
"Quite right," Perenelle said proudly.
"Is it okay if we do it here?" Harry asked Dumbledore. "I feel safe at Hogwarts."
"Perfectly fine," Dumbledore said, smiling at Harry's words. "A weekend of course, I imagine, to prevent any undue disruptions."
"And we will be here of course," Nicolas said. "If for no other reason than to watch Drake squirm as he has to be in the same room with his ex-wife."
"Never married!" Drake shouted.
"Probably should ask if Sirius and Rita can come," Harry said, grinning. "And Auntie Andi."
"No problem at all," Dumbledore nodded.
"I'm sorry for smiling so much," Harry said apologetically to Drake. "It's just, I've never seen you flustered like this. I never knew you could be flustered. I thought you were always cool and collected. Unless you and Grandfather are bickering."
"And that is a dreadful lie, poor heart," Perenelle giggled.
Drake glared at her before smoothing his features and smiling at Harry. "No offense taken, from you of course." He gave the other adults in the room a look. "I have tried to put the past behind me but, well, I suppose you will understand when you meet her," he said with grim finality.
-0-
"Is everything okay?" Pansy asked worriedly when Harry returned.
"I think so? Turns out it was mostly about an interview for a booklet thing for the Rising Stars," Harry said as he rejoined his friends.
"Why was Mr. Tepes so freaked out?" Millicent asked.
"Apparently it came from his ex," Harry said, smiling a little.
"Ooooh awkward," the Patils said together.
"That sounds positively juicy for him to act like that," Parvati added, leaning in and eyes sparkling.
"I didn't really ask but it sounds like it didn't end well," Harry said.
"Why were you told to talk to the Headmaster and the Flamels?" Pansy asked.
"Because his ex is also an Eld," Harry said. "I think the Bathory bloodline?"
"Bathory?" Hermione asked, perking up.
"Of course you've heard of them," Sue smiled. She blinked as she noticed some of the others straightening up. "You lot too?"
"Yes," Daphne said, her eyes wide. "If it is the same Bathory."
"The Bloody Countess," Millicent said, sounding awed and slightly squeamish.
"That's what I read," Hermione said uneasily.
"What are you reading that you came across someone called the Bloody Countess?" Hannah asked. "Also, why is she called that?"
"The rumor was that the family did a lot of blood magic," Susan said uneasily. "Like…a lot of blood magic. With lots of blood that wasn't their own."
"Many Society families use the name as a caution," Pansy said. "I had no idea there were still Bathorys about. Actually, them being a vampire bloodline makes a lot of sense."
"Wait, is this ex the same bloody countess?" Sue asked.
"I don't know," Harry said, blinking. "I mean, Mr. Drake is a Tepes but not the Tepes. Technically. The one most people have heard of."
"Well, you'll have the Tepes Eld with you, not to mention the Flamels and the Headmaster, it should be fine," Pansy said slowly.
"It'll be here," Harry said.
"Good," Daphne said sincerely. "The castle will protect, I am sure."
"Maybe load up on garlic and stuff beforehand though," Millicent said seriously.
"I mean, it's just an interview, nothing should happen from that, right?" Hannah asked, looking around.
"I mean, we've read old Rita interviews," Parvati said.
"Okay fair," Hannah conceded.
"At the very least, it won't be boring," Harry sighed.
"Wow, who knew a cooking competition would be this exciting," Parvati said with a wry smile.
"Just my luck," Harry said with a weak smile.
-0-
The air itself seemed to change when she entered the room.
While she was shorter, her presence was one of someone that towered over others. Her features were fine, shaped as if by chisel on stone. Her eyes were grey and felt like they saw through you. Interestingly, she wore a Muggle style suit, though one cut to accentuate her body and features. Another woman accompanied her and while dressed and looking very similar, seemed much less impactful than the former.
Edwina Victoria Bathory looked around the room with the cool gaze of a predator that was very confident of their prowess and abilities. Her eyes flickered over most of the people there, barely giving them a second look. When she saw Drake, her features went brittle for a moment and her eyes flared slightly before moving on. She then focused on Harry and she smiled though her teeth did not show. "And you must be Harry James Potter."
"Hello," Harry greeted politely. "Nice to meet you."
It was the weekend of their interview meeting, and it was being held in a large room that the castle had for meetings and official things. Sirius, Andromeda, and Rita had come and were there with the Flamels, Drake, Ariana, and Dumbledore. In comparison, Edwina had arrived with only one other person with her.
"I had no idea it would be a party," she said coolly.
"A lot of people insisted on being here," Harry said. "I'd like to introduce the ones you might not know. Sirius Black, my godfather. Andromeda Tonks, my godaunt."
"Charmed," Edwina said, sounding slightly not. "I know of Rita Skeeter by reputation of course." She nodded respectfully to the Flamels. "And the Flamels." She looked at Dumbledore. "And you must be the Headmaster of the School."
"Indeed, nice to make your acquaintance," he said genially.
"And have we met?" Edwina asked mildly, looking at Ariana with interest. "Such remarkable bloodlust coming off of you, and for me to say that, that is something."
"Not in person," Ariana said brightly. "Ariana Dumbledore."
Edwina winced. "Ah, Miss Dumbledore. Yes, I have heard of you."
"I bet you have," Ariana said, eyes sharpening.
"I had hoped we could put that bit of…poor business behind us," Edwina said slowly.
"Eh. Maybe later," Ariana said noncommittally.
"What, nothing to say to your ex-husband?" Nicolas asked mildly when Edwina seemed to ignore Drake.
"We were never married!" they shouted together, sharing a look of surprise.
"My, how awkward," Nicolas gasped, holding a hand to his mouth. Perenelle rolled her eyes and Andromeda, Sirius, and Rita stared at him with wide eyes while Dumbledore groaned.
Edwina huffed and plastered a smile on her lips. "Vladius, you look…present."
"Thank you, Edwina," Drake said through gritted teeth. "You look…like you have lost weight."
A muscle twitched in her cheek and her smile grew wider and more forced. "Kind of you to notice." She took a deep breath and gestured to her companion. "And this is my assistant, Greta Barany." Greta nodded at the others but when she looked at Harry, she tilted her head and her eyes flickered slightly. Harry grimaced a little and squinted his eyes, resisting the urge to rub his temples.
Drake took one look at the exchange before acting. One moment he was at one end of the room and within a span of a heartbeat, he had his hand on Greta's throat. A second heartbeat and they were on the opposite end of the room with her hoisted in the air and pinned against the wall. He growled, his fangs growing and his eyes turning blood red. "Use your powers on him again and I will tear out your tongue, petrify it, stab you through the heart with it, and watch you turn to ash slowly and enjoy every agonizing second it takes for you to die."
Everyone froze, eyes wide and staring at the scene before them. Greta's hands were wrapped around Drake's arm and she kicked a little, looking rightfully terrified. Long moments passed and finally Edwina snorted. "Do not blame her," she said, her voice turning wry. "I had her test him."
"Explain yourself," Perenelle said coldly.
Edwina did a double-take, gulping slightly. "I wanted to…provoke a reaction because I wanted to see for myself how things would happen. I have heard many things about Harry Potter and wanted to see them for myself." She looked at Drake. "Be a dear and let her go. Competent assistants are hard to find and she is a friend as well."
"That was done in poor faith, Miss Bathory," Dumbledore said in a very cool tone. "I will insist that nothing like that happens again."
"You have my word," she said with properly presented contrition.
"If I recall, it is a rather fickle word," Drake growled.
"You are one to talk," she spat.
"Let's all, uh, take a moment," Harry said, surprising even himself for speaking up at that moment. All eyes turned to him and he gulped a little, coughing slightly. "Here. We've all been waiting for a while and I'm sure you traveled a distance, care for refreshment?" He took a cloche off of a platter and waved his wand over the food to warm up. "Sausage rolls," he said. "These were made with blood sausage."
"Were they really?" Edwina asked with interest, reaching out for one.
Drake snorted after Harry gave him a pleading look and he let Greta go who coughed gratefully. "Not even she will protect you from me should you cross my ire again," he warned. He stalked back to them, taking a sausage roll, and bit into it angrily.
Harry waited for Greta to take one and for her and Edwina to eat them. "There, the guest rites," Harry said. "You promise to be guests and we will all be a little more…relaxed."
Edwina gave Harry a considering look. "That is quite clever of you," she said finally. "Well done."
"I learned from the best," Harry said and Sirius and the others looked proud.
"And this is rather delicious," Edwina said as she picked up another sausage roll. "Did you make it with blood sausage for us specifically?"
"Yes? I mean, Mr. Drake likes them and he explained it to me when we first met that while he doesn't always have to eat things with blood, he enjoys them. I know not all vampire bloodlines crave blood in the exact same way but I read that the Bathory line does so I thought you would like them too," Harry said.
"I cannot remember the last time I ate food," Edwina mused softly.
"Three years, Mistress," Greta said softly.
"Thank you, Greta," Edwina said. "It has been some time." She ate it swiftly and took another. "Now, how were you able to repel Greta so easily? It is no simple thing."
"Is this part of the interview?" Rita asked mildly.
"For my own curiosity," Edwina said primly, smiling once more with no teeth showing.
"I don't know honestly," Harry said. "It felt like a Veela allure to me. I learned a few years ago that I'm sort of resistant to that too."
"Really?" Edwina leaned forward, pale eyes focusing on Harry. "That is impressive."
"Not really," Harry said wryly. "I've been told I'm rather thick. Or dense even."
Edwina blinked and laughed, an oddly bright and merry sound. It seemed to shock both Greta and Drake who looked at her with disbelieving expressions. "You are quite the delight," Edwina said, a trace of warmth in her tone. "Or are you playing the seductor? Using self-deprecating humor to appear humble and approachable."
"No, my friends would be the first to say I can't seduce anything or anyone," Harry said honestly. "My cooking is up to debate but me, not so much. Well actually, one of my friends says I can but I honestly think she says that to take the mickey out of me."
"As in teasing? How wonderful," Edwina said, growing even warmer. "In that case, tell me more of your cooking. How is it that a seventeen-year-old young man somehow made it to one of the biggest stages of the international cooking community, from somewhere that used to be known for bad food and lack of interest."
"I still ask myself that," Harry said, "and I've also somehow managed to pass three challenges. Four if you count the placement. I'm terrible at talking about myself though, something else my friends say a lot. If you want though, I'd be happy to show you. We have a stove and some ingredients here."
Edwina's smile grew and her teeth appeared slightly. "Why not? That sounds surprisingly interesting." She followed Harry to the side where an ice box and stove and counter sat and they started conversing openly as Harry started working.
"They are talking to each other," Drake said, sounding confused and slightly befuddled. "As if they did not just meet. She is talking to him like something of an equal. I have never seen her do that before. Not to a normal human being." He looked at Greta who nodded in mute agreement, looking just as confused.
"In the right hands, or wrong ones, Harry would be a consummate statesman," Rita said. "He has the charisma in a different way than you'd expect."
"Gets it from his parents," Sirius said proudly.
"Plus he learns from others," Andromeda said proudly. "Learns from his experiences."
"Good Lord," Perenelle murmured. "I just had a thought of Harry who was interested in politics rather than cooking and it paints a very powerful image."
"No thank you," Ariana shuddered. She ate another sausage roll. "I like Harry how he is now."
"But on the other hand," Dumbledore mused, "we would have a Minister of Magic that would be good at his job."
Edwina looked over at the laughing adults. "Do they do that often?" she asked.
"Whenever someone says something really funny," Harry said, "so fairly often. Depending on the person of course."
"Of course," Edwina repeated. She watched him cook and her nostrils flared as she smelled what he was pouring into the pot. "More blood?"
"Pig's blood," Harry nodded. "I'm making dinuguan. It's a Filipino stew that's pork braised in blood."
"Again, because I am a vampire?" she asked.
"Truthfully, yes. Because Mr. Drake really liked it and I thought you might too," Harry said. "Not because you and he were together," he added hastily. "And not just because you're a vampire that likes blood, but more that he's the only frame of reference I know really which is probably kinda insulting given your history and I'm really sorry and-"
Edwina laughed warmly again. "Peace, I take no offense, from you at least," she said, sounding genuinely mirthful. She sniffed the air delicately. "I smell no fear from you. Do you truly not fear me, at all?"
"No Ma'am."
"Or Vladius?" she asked, her mouth twisting a little.
"Mr. Drake? No, he's been nothing but nice to me since we met. He did scare me by pretending to die because I smelled like garlic, but only the one time."
Her lips quivered at that. "Why? Why do you not fear us? We are vampyr. We feed on humans like you."
Harry suppressed the slightest of shivers at that. "Well, the Headmaster said I can trust Mr. Drake. So I did and do. And while he might have insinuated how…you might be doing something for ulterior reasons-" he gulped when she glared at Drake, "he never said you'd do anything bad to me directly. Plus I trust the others here and they wouldn't let anything harm me, and they treat you well."
With a very different definition of the word well, he thought.
Edwina smirked a little, as if reading his mind. "Such trust in them," she murmured.
"They're the best," Harry said with utter surety.
"And what are your thoughts about me?" she asked directly.
"So far? I don't think you mean me any harm," he said honestly. "Or mean any to Mr. Drake but you do seem to want to irritate him. You have that feeling that I'm familiar with since my friends have people they like to irritate."
Edwina laughed merrily again. "You are not far off with that assessment," she said wryly, ignoring the looks from the others. "Do you have an ex, Harry Potter?"
"No and I hope I never do," he replied emphatically. "I really love Lavender, my girlfriend."
Her smile was soft and sweet. "I hope you never do as well then," she said honestly. She crossed her arms. "I do admit, I took on this personally because I knew of your ties to Vladius. I was very interested because the Vladius I knew before never would be friendly with a child, at least a mere human child he had never met before. A child from a family he owes nothing to. I wanted to know why he would be so interested in you and to go through many lengths on your behalf."
"I don't really know myself," Harry said. He poured a portion of the steaming rich dinuguan over hot white rice and gave it to her. "I'm not questioning it though. He's been so nice to me and has taught me so much. My life would be very different without him in it and I'm grateful for it."
She accepted the dish and breathed deep. The rich scent of the meat and the cooked blood and spices filled her nostrils and she felt her stomach rumble, surprising her. She ate a spoonful delicately, then another, and another. She ate swiftly and hungrily and when she came to the last bite, it surprised her how fast it came about. She looked at the empty plate wistfully before brightening when Harry filled it again. "This is very delicious," she said, just shy from speaking with her mouth full.
"I'm glad," Harry beamed.
"You really are," she said in a wondering tone.
"I like making people happy," Harry said. "And cooking is the best way I know how. If they're happy, I'm happy."
She looked at him for a long moment. "I can believe that," she said admiringly. "Greta, come get a plate. This is wonderful." Time passed with her asking questions and Harry answering them. The others tried some of the dinuguan, with some enjoying it more than others, and Harry cooked a beef stew for the others that Edwina also ate a good portion of.
"I cannot recall an interview I actually enjoyed conducting," she said as she gave Greta her notes to collect. Greta shook her head and Edwina turned to smile at Harry. "Neither does Greta it seems."
"It was nice to meet you," Harry smiled.
"And it was nice to meet you, Harry Potter," Edwina said sincerely.
"You can call me Harry," he said. "Whenever someone says my full name like that, I think I'm in trouble."
Edwina chuckled. "Harry then. And you may call me Edwina, or Miss Edwina if you prefer." She rose to her feet and offered her hand to Harry. She handily ignored the look of shock on Drake's face, smiling smugly as she and Harry shook hands. She put her other hand over Harry's. "I will look forward to the rest of the Rising Stars and to your career and future with great interest."
"Hopefully it'll be interesting," Harry said, making her laugh. "Not too interesting though. My fifth year here was a bit too interesting in the bad way. Thank you for coming, it's always nice to make new friends."
Edwina looked at him. "Yes, yes it is," she said with a full smile, one with all her teeth on display and with none of her hostility. "You will receive a copy of the booklet as soon as it is finished." She and Greta went to the door and she looked back at Drake. "Vladius."
"Edwina," Drake said stiffly.
"Now I know why you have let out your waist a little," she said. "How could you resist such wonderful cooking?" She and Greta left before Drake could retort, a very broad smile on her lips and Greta shaking her head mutely.
"All the weight you allegedly lost went straight to your head!" Drake shouted after her as the remaining adults burst into loud laughter. "And your ankles!"
"Drake!" Perenelle gasped, face red from laughter.
"She called me fat!" Drake said crossly.
"She really is petty," Sirius laughed.
Drake grumbled something in a different language before sighing deeply, looking drained. "That at least went well, it could have gone far worse. Ah, bless you Harry," he said when Harry poured him a goblet full of thick red liquid.
"I asked Mr. Abe for it," Harry said, handing the bottle to Dumbledore. "Thought it might be needed."
"Well reasoned," Dumbledore smiled.
"I'm surprised you got her to be friendly with you like that," Ariana said. "I mean, not really since you're so easy to talk to and you're sweet. More because she's a frigid bitch with a Quidditch post stuck up her arse."
"She could fit one up it," Drake grumbled, ignoring Dumbledore's appalled look.
"I know I say this a lot about people, but she wasn't that bad after talking for a bit," Harry said. "She can be nice." He smiled at Drake's very rich and deep snort. "She also said she doesn't have any ill wishes to you about the whole 'incident'," he said to Ariana.
"I bet she doesn't," Ariana grumbled. "Probably did her a favor I did."
"She actually said you did," Harry said. "And she hopes you two will work things out."
"I guess," Ariana sighed.
"That implies she will want to see you more often and spend more time around you," Nicolas grinned. "Poor Drake."
"I suppose I can tolerate her for Harry's sake," Drake said heavily. He looked at Harry. "Did she tell you what happened between us?"
"No, but she said it was mostly your fault," Harry said.
"Of course she did," he grunted, drinking deep and refilling his goblet.
"Well look at that, you've managed to make friends with another very strong media personality that has a very tough reputation," Sirius smiled, ruffling Harry's hair.
"Oh yeah, that's not easy at all," Rita smiled broadly.
"All's well that ends well, right?" Harry asked.
"For now," Drake said morosely.
"I personally think you should be thankful for the opportunity to spend more time around her. Perhaps you can finally bury the hatchet with your ex-wife," Nicolas said with a mischievous grin.
"After I bury the hatchet into your thick duck skull!" Drake thundered while the others laughed.
"Many better than you have tried!" Nicolas shouted back.
"More stew please, cheri," Perenelle said brightly, handily ignoring her husband and friend.
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AshokaTheGreat - I have made a good chunk of these recipes in real life, and do eventually try some of the others. I'm glad you are hungry from reading, I'd feel worried if you didn't find the food scenes good haha.
odonnellzoo99 - Weirdly, pepperoni and pineapple isn't too bad every now and then but I am also a very pizza plainest. I like bacon, sausage, mushroom, or cheese. That's always fun when life and media coincide like that. I also thought that was funny, her self correcting each time like that.
DOOOOOOM Lord of Waffles - I like all different kinds of curry too. It's a lot of fun to see what is called what based on the loosest of words. My favorites are probably butter chicken and Japanese curry. Glad you are enjoying things still.
Hands Off MY Wolfie - Sometimes learning can be fun. Sometimes lol. Depending on the subject. Thanks for reading.
poka - She might not call it her curry, but I imagine she is someone that appreciates good food, plus a chance to mess with her grandchildren.
Wentley - From what I can tell, very similar. Just differences in the flavors which one would expect.
alix33 - I do like Lunar New Year decorations and ambiance, it's so exciting and fun.
TheSphynx - He made his mark and he's going to be a part of things forever.