I do not own Harry Potter, the Wizarding World, or any canon characters.

A Taste of Magic

169th Course – Lingering Warmth

"'If you had told me before that I would find a cooking competition to be as riveting as a Quidditch match, I would say you were confounded. How could cooking be nearly as interesting as Quidditch? And yet, to my delight and surprise, I was enthralled from beginning to end. In fact, it was more like a Quidditch game than not! You had two people doing something they did best, a fine display of skill and ability that could rival any Chaser, Beater, Keeper, or Seeker. There were honest fans there, those that had an idea of what they were doing and were more than happy to share their knowledge. It was honestly exciting! The only bad part about it is seeing the finished food and not be able to taste it after watching it be made and put on display!'"

"Yeah seriously, that last part," Parvati said. "That's the worst part about being there."

"We're used to Harry making sure we got to try it after in our small ones here," Padma smiled.

The friends were in the Uncommon Room, the day after the finale. The ones who did not go sat and listened closely to the ones that did, enjoying the descriptions of everything. Hermione had once again brought Tracey's camera and filled it with pictures and as soon as they were developed, would be sent to everyone. The others were disappointed that Harry did not win, but understood why he did what he did and approved of it, to differing degrees.

The Daily Prophet had been delivered while they were together and Pansy was now reading from the frontpage article that covered the event, written by one of the journalists sent by the Prophet. Rita's article and her accompanying opinion piece was in the paper as well. The main picture on the front page was of Harry and Celine cooking that then flipped to Celine accepting the title and being hailed champion, and then of Harry greeting people afterwards with a sincere smile on his face.

Pansy took a sip of water to clear her throat before she continued to read. "'Now I know many would be confused as to why Chef Potter acted the way he did, and made such a decision for such a huge competition. Some might go as far as saying Chef Potter threw the competition on purpose. As for me, I think what is more British than a person standing by their ideals and damning the consequences with a stiff upper lip? Chef Potter put his case forward with heart and there was not a soul in that arena who did not appreciate his candor and sincerity.

"'Not only that, he presented our culture and cuisine in such a positive and glowing way. What he said about the Sunday Roast, how he felt about them, those are what makes a Sunday Roast what it is. He hit exactly why I like them, enjoying them with those I love and call family. Not to mention his version, while looking somewhat plain in comparison to Chef Beaufort's main course, looked positively delicious. I almost salivated onto my notebook and I am not ashamed to admit it.

"'So did Chef Potter throw the competition? No. I think not. I think he knew what he was doing and he decided to do what he did because he believed in it. And there aren't many who would be so willing to do something that brave in such a moment. I truly believe that Chef Potter performed admirably throughout the entire competition and he showed his character and ability and he should be very proud. He did Britain proud and I'm terribly proud of him.'"

"I like him a lot more than the other one," Luna smiled.

"That's not saying much," Blaise snorted. "The other one is lower than dirt and a lot less useful."

Pansy smiled. "'And I was able to ask him a few questions after the competition's end.'"

"Can we skip this?" Harry asked, blushing.

"No!" everyone shouted, making him groan and they laughed.

"'I won't lie and say it didn't disappoint me a little in not winning it all,'" Pansy read. "'But I did what I set out to do. I wanted to learn, to cook to the best of my ability, and do my best. I was lucky to be able to show off all the food I love and to honor the people I learned from: Chef Diglin of StoneHeart, Aberforth Dumbledore, and Chef Gabriel Robuchon. The competition was an incredible opportunity and I thank the ICW and the World's Kitchen for letting me compete.'"

Pansy smiled at Harry. "So well-crafted and said."

"Were you prompted?" Daphne asked, eyes dancing with mirth.

"No!" Harry laughed. "Pansy was right there and heard me!"

"He wasn't," Pansy confirmed, smiling proudly. "All of our hard work has finally paid off." She cleared her throat delicately. "'Besides, I'm the youngest and the least experienced. It'd be mad if I actually did win! I'm just happy to have been able to participate and even I didn't know I made it to the finale until it happened.'"

"That's the Harry we know," Millicent laughed while the others did the same.

Pansy continued. "'I had a moment to speak with the host of the whole event, Francis Fontaine, and he was glowing in his words about Chef Potter. 'Harry Potter is one of the finest competitors to have ever graced the Cuisine Capitale. It has been a genuine pleasure to see him grow and to eat his cooking. He is polite but warm, knowledgeable and enthusiastic, and above all else, incredibly kind. I consider myself fortunate that he is only across the channel and I will be seeing him both in competition and not for years to come.'"

"Wow, that's high praise," Sue said. "I did like him, he seemed cool."

"He's really nice," Harry said. "And a great dresser."

"'I too share Mr. Fontaine's sentiments and count myself fortunate that I live in Britain. I am sure I will be a regular patron wherever Chef Potter creates a restaurant. I have him to thank for opening my eyes to just how good food is and how interesting it can be. I think we citizens of Wizarding Britain are about to embark in a new culinary age and go forward into a delicious future and I cannot wait.'" She finished reading and put the paper down.

"You might need to measure Harry's head again before you make more bandannas," Susan teased.

"Nah, he won't let it swell," Lavender giggled, hugging Harry and kissing him.

"Are you really okay with not winning?" Hannah asked.

"I am," Harry said. "Again, it would've been amazing if I did win. And I won't lie and say I didn't get that little feeling of disappointment that I didn't. But I knew me doing what I did had a good chance of me not getting the win, but honestly, Celine is an amazing chef. She's really dedicated and worked really hard. The food she made last night was incredible and I was already at a disadvantage."

"It did look really good," Pansy conceded and the others that went nodded.

"I don't have a problem saying someone is better than me," Harry said. "Now anyways, maybe I would've before," he added weakly to appreciative chuckles. "And she did do the best throughout the competition where while I won too, I also got really low that one time."

He opened the oven and pulled out the roast chickens that filled the air with savory aroma. He set them down on the table, moving them onto wire racks to rest. "And besides, they did ask me for my heart's desire and that's what it was."

"That's our Harry," Luna said happily, hugging him.

"I'm still glad I did it," Harry said, hugging her back. "Both the competition and what I did during the finale. I did it on my terms, you know?"

"I think it was super cool," Aster said brightly.

"Yeah!" Clover and Marigold said.

"How did your mentors take it?" Ron asked.

Harry winced a little, to more chuckling. "Chef Gabriel was a little annoyed at me. He said that there was a time for ideals and a time for winning. But he understood why I did it and he said at least I lost admirably."

He smiled as they continued to laugh. "Chef Diglin was fine with it and Mr. Abe was proud of me. He didn't say it like that, but Auntie Ari said he was and he didn't disagree."

"All that money though," Nathan said.

"It's a lot, even for us," Owen said.

Harry paused. "Well, actually, I did get something really nice out of it all."

"Oh was there a second place prize?" Hermione asked.

"There was, but that wasn't what I was talking about," Harry said.

"Oh, is this something else?" Daphne looked at Lavender. "Something you need to talk about?"

"We did already, last night," Lavender smiled. "Go on Harry, tell them!"

Harry smiled and looked incredibly excited. "I was invited to work with some of the chefs! To stage at their restaurants!"

"Really?!" the others gasped.

"Yeah! Before we left, they came up to me," Harry said, obviously giddy and happy.

"It was so cool!" Lavender gushed. We were leaving and they came running up to him, making sure to talk before we left."

"They were even fighting to see who talked to him first," Hermione said proudly.

"That's so cool," Neville smiled. "All the judges did? Well the chef ones?"

"Yeah! Chef Morimoto was the first one and she invited me to work at her restaurants in Japan! She has her main one which is more traditional and her other which is more modern. Chef Banks wants me to work with him in America for a little bit too and he and Mr. Shaw want to take me to the southern States to show me southern comfort food."

"What about Chef Ripert?" Tracey asked.

"So uh, he was going to ask me but Chef Gabriel got into his face," Harry said weakly. "They're friends and they argued for a while. Chef Gabriel said he needs to teach me about working in a professional French kitchen and is going to cook some sense into me about when to be British and when to be a chef."

"Amazing," Blaise laughed.

"Does this mean you're leaving the country?" Aster asked, eyes wide. They all got a little quiet at that.

"Only for a little bit," Harry said, hugging her. "About a year, we think. I'm going to start in America, then head to Japan, and then finish my time in France. I talked about it for a long time with Sirius and Auntie Andi and Lavender and everyone and I'm going to spend a few months in each place."

His next words put them all at ease. "I'm definitely coming back for good though. And with magical travel, I can come back to visit while working out there, at least once a month."

"Oh thank Merlin," Millicent sighed with genuine relief.

"It took me way too long to get friends," Harry said quietly, "I'm not letting any of you go."

"Us neither," Clover and Marigold said together, hugging him between them.

"You're okay with this?" Sue asked.

Lavender nodded. "We'll all be a bit busy the first year and he'll be visiting. Plus we have the mirrors and things and Grandfather and Grandmother are going to give me a voiceless vase soon. It'll be a bit lonely without him close but I'd hate it if I kept him from doing something this amazing. This kind of opportunity doesn't come often."

"I didn't think I'd be ready to take on the Hog's Head right after school anyways," Harry said. "But this way I'll get to learn more and work in different places."

"And, that means Harry's going to get even better at cooking," Parvati smiled. "Which means we'll get to eat even tastier food when he gets back!"

"An excellent point," Blaise smiled.

"Speaking of, this is all ready," Harry smiled. He and the others got the plates and things ready to eat the Sunday Roast style meal he made. He had made his full menu again for everyone to eat while they talked about the event with everyone. While most of them had tried his practice attempts, it was their first time eating the finalized courses.

They all loved the familiar guotie and the new butter chicken inspired dumplings and sauce. The consommé was delicious with the crabcakes and they enjoyed the also familiar wellington with salad. The roast chicken, gravy, vegetables, and Yorkshire puddings were also familiar but even more delicious and they all knew what was to come for dessert. Harry made mashed potatoes and bread sauce and some other small things for them to enjoy together.

"It's very similar to the dinner party we had before fifth year," Daphne commented as she ate hungrily. "It's delicious!"

"Still can't believe you didn't win," Ron said.

"It's okay," Harry said. "I did what I set out to do and am proud of what I did. That matters too."

They slowly ate the main course and enjoyed the dessert utterly and completely. They all then pitched in to help clean the room.

"You okay?" Lavender asked gently.

"I'm going to miss the Uncommon Room," Harry said quietly, looking around. "We made so many good memories here."

"It was a place where we could be friends and not think about Houses," Pansy said wistfully.

"We'll just make every place we gather in the future as cool and great as this place," Ron said.

"Hell yeah," the Patils said.

Harry took out the master key and gave it to Luna whose eyes started to shimmer and shine. "You'll take good care of it," he said confidently. "And I know you'll pick the person out next year who'll keep taking good care of it." He coughed as she hugged him, burying her face into his chest and he patted her back gently.

"And I'm trusting all of you too," he said To Ginny, Astoria, Clover, Marigold, Aster, Nathan, Owen, Ivaan, and Divya. "It's a good place. Make sure it stays that way, okay?"

"We won't let you down," Ginny said softly.

"It'll be a staple room forever after," Astoria said sincerely.

-0-

"I dreaded this day," Flitwick sighed. "Despite me knowing your path and mine would cross as often as we like due to Gringotts."

Harry smiled sadly at the diminutive Charms professor. The man was normally so exuberant and cheery, he seemed far taller and broader than anyone else. Now, with his slightly crestfallen expression, he seemed somewhat diminished. "Me too," Harry said with feeling.

"No need to invite a cave-in by being dour," Flitwick said, slapping himself on the cheeks a little to perk up. "And when you return from your travels to set up shop in Hogsmeade, it'll be even easier! I'm sure we will be coming often." He winked. "Maybe more if you do delivery."

Harry laughed. "I've already assured the house elves that they can pop by whenever, but not necessarily to work. I'm sure they'll be more than happy to do delivery. And for no charge."

"Nonsense," Flitwick said sternly. "Discounts for family and friends are one thing…"

"But business is business and friends and family know to support it or risk losing it," Harry joined in saying and the two laughed even harder.

"You've learned so much," Flitwick grinned.

"Not bad for a rock," Harry said, tapping his head. "Speaking of, here, this is for you."

"Oh you shouldn't have," Flitwick said, taking the package. He opened it and gasped softly. It was a lantern made from iron and silver. The front had an open door with a latch and was made from crystal. "This is beautiful," he admired.

"I got it from LampRay's in the Deep," Harry said. "It's the best enchanting metal while keeping durability. Lights with fuel and with magic. I saw it and knew I wanted to get it for you. You showed me the way from almost the beginning, ever since Household Charms and I knew that you'd always be there for me."

Flitwick wiped a tear away and beamed up at Harry. "It was a genuine pleasure. The club is going strong and well, you've made such an impact on my life too, Harry. It has been an honor being your professor and more than that, being able to call you friend. Family even! You're a part of the StoneHearts after all."

"Can never have too many family or friends," Harry said sincerely.

"I am going to miss seeing you so easily and so often," Flitwick sighed. "But that means I will have to make the effort to see you as often as we can in the future!"

"Won't be too hard to. I'll still go to Gringotts often and Thalga and I'll be coming to the school too," Harry smiled. "You'll still see me around."

"I sincerely hope so. And you can count on me to be a regular at your establishment."

"Job security is the best kind of security," Harry smiled and joined Flitwick in laughing.

-0-

"I always appreciated how hard you work," Hagrid said comfortably. He and Harry had just returned from the Forest together. They had gone to visit the Tribe briefly and were now on the way back to the castle.

"I'm used to it," Harry smiled.

"Sure are," Hagrid said, glowering a little before shaking his head. "Well, even so, you don't shy from it like some do and it's a good thing." He put a very large hand on Harry's shoulder, remembering the first time he did that and had accidentally knocked the poor child over, catching him on the way down. He had learned how to mitigate his strength some, but the fact that Harry had remained standing easily did not escape him. "You've come a long way Harry, it's good."

"I had good role models," Harry said, patting the big man's hand on his shoulder.

"You had some pretty good ones," Hagrid agreed. He chuckled a little, a deep rolling merry sound. "And some pretty questionable ones."

"That too," Harry smiled, agreeing wholeheartedly. "I won't tell Sirius you said that."

"I'll say it to his face," Hagrid laughed. He took the package that Harry held up to him. "What's this?"

"It's called a present. You've given some great ones before," Harry said, frowning a little.

"Look at you, getting all cheeky with me," Hagrid snorted, smiling.

"I've always felt comfortable with you to be so," Harry said.

That made Hagrid smile even broader and he opened the package eagerly. He sighed softly as he opened the knife roll, revealing an array of differently shaped knives. "These are real nice," he said admiringly, taking one out to look closely at it.

"The best knives for field work and whittling and everything in between," Harry said. "StoneHeart grade. And they belong to you."

"You didn't have to get me anythin'," Hagrid protested.

"Well I wanted to," Harry shrug. "You've given me so much, it's only right to show how much I appreciate you."

"Well, same here," he said gruffly, patting the young man again and sending him stumbling this time. "You better come around from time to time," he said, picking Harry up and patting the dirt off of him. "I know the animals are going to miss you."

"I'm going to be in Hogsmeade," Harry said, brushing the last of the leaves and dirt off of himself. "Just down the way."

"That's a relief," the big man sighed. "Now I won't have to worry about missin' havin' you around."

"No you won't," Harry said.

-0-

Dumbledore's smile was as warm as it usually was, but it held a hint of sadness to it. "I am going to miss this," he said sincerely.

Harry walked to his desk and set the tray down. Like many times before, it was covered with good food on small plates as well as a puffing pot of tea. He and Dumbledore arranged everything out and he made plates for everyone. Fawkes and Hedwig fell on their plates with good appetite and Harry handed a well laden one to Dumbledore. "Maybe I'll do a tea meal or something when I open the restaurant. Or at the least, we can meet for a weekly tea on the weekend."

"I would greatly enjoy that," Dumbledore said sincerely. He bit into the cucumber sandwich with enthusiasm, enjoying the crisp cucumber and cress that tasted especially fresh when combined with the rich cultured butter and soft bread. "How have the arrangements for your overseas training gone?"

"Really well," Harry said enthusiastically. "I was able to find lodging close to both of the main restaurants in America and Japan. Mr. Drake and Miss Edwina helped. The ICW have flats for their employees all over the world and they helped me get accommodations."

"Well that is handy and a relief," Dumbledore smiled. "I thought they were typically reserved for ICW employees however."

"Turns out I am, in a way" Harry said wryly. "My role is personal chef consultant."

Dumbledore laughed merrily. "Ah that is wonderful! Like that fellow that was sneaking about."

Harry nodded. "The only problem was that both Mr. Drake and Miss Edwina both claimed me as one so when the Human Resources department asked about my apparent double employment, they found out and had another fight."

"Poor Drake," Dumbledore chuckled richly.

Harry snickered. "It's not that funny honestly, but it kinda is too. But yes, I'll be spending just shy of four months in America first and I'll be working at Chef Bank's restaurant in New York City though he has promised to take me down to the South to visit, as well as see Mr. Shaw in Boston and Gwendolyn invited me to visit Philadelphia while I'm there."

He gave Hedwig another bacon sandwich and Fawkes another egg salad sandwich. "Then I'll be heading to Japan and working with Chef Morimoto in Tokyo and Kyoto. I'll be there for a little more than four months and then I'll be finishing up my tour in Paris working with Chef Gabriel. Kaito and Sato already invited me to their places too while I'm in Japan."

"Sounds like a very busy and fulfilling year," Dumbledore said.

"I think so! And they all already said I'll have a few days off a month to come back to visit and more if needed. Especially when I'm back in France."

"That will be good. I would tell you to keep in touch but I do not think I will have to tell you that," Dumbledore smiled.

"No Sir," Harry smiled back. "I'll make sure to tell people when I'll be visiting and to stop by."

"Make sure you do, Ari and Abe will be quite upset if you did not, as will I and the others," Dumbledore said. "How have your farewells to the other professors gone?"

"Tough," Harry said somberly. "It'll be sad not to see everyone all the time so easily."

"A part of growing up and leaving," Dumbledore said sympathetically. "We get so used to each other over seven years, it becomes a bit of a shock when the seven years end."

"Inky, Ebbers, Quarters, Roosty, Wheatly, and I spent a lot of time together at the Kitchens and Farms," Harry said. "They were sad but then again, they can find me and visit fairly easily and they were really happy that I'll be in Hogsmeade eventually. And that I'll be coming a lot in the future."

"As I said before, they very much like you and have come to enjoy their friendships with you," Dumbledore said. "And you have made your lasting impact on the Kitchens and the Book." He sipped his tea and smiled again. "Inky might leave Hogwarts to join you when you set yourself up."

"Really?" Harry gasped.

"Truly. She had said she was thinking about it. The House Elves of Hogwarts can leave the castle if they wish. Their loyalty here is without question, but we have never prevented them from leaving should they wish to. We will see how she feels when the time comes."

"I'd be happy to have her." Harry grinned. "She can protect me from rude customers."

"You might need to get her a swagger stick of her own," Dumbledore laughed.

"I visited with all the professors," Harry said. "I'm grateful to all of them and I learned so much while I was here. Remus didn't really take it seriously though since I'll see him all the time at home and elsewhere. I mean, I'll see everyone when we can but it's different with him."

"Quite," Dumbledore laughed.

"Madam Pomfrey said she hopes I continue to stay active to compensate for my 'delicate constitution'," Harry said wryly, making Dumbledore laugh harder. "And she was happy when I didn't need any special care in sixth or seventh year like my first few years. She also blamed me for increasing her work load for helping start the Shinty and Hurley Club."

"She causes a fair amount of her work during club days," Dumbledore snorted. "Not to mention we have an expanded medical staff now."

"I know and she does too," Harry smiled. "I got her a mobile healing station for all she had to do for me and she was really happy with it. Professor McGonagall took one last chance to complain about Dad and Sirius," Harry smiled.

"I sincerely doubt it will be the last time," Dumbledore said with a laugh.

"I hope not," Harry nodded. "It was really nice visiting with her through the years and learning so much from her and learning about my parents. I did apologize for inflicting Grandfather more on her though and she just barely didn't blame me for it."

He reached into his pocket and took out a wrapped package. "This is for you, Sir."

"Harry, you have already gifted me far too much," Dumbledore protested, taking it slowly.

"I don't think so," Harry demurred.

Dumbledore opened the box carefully and his smile turned warm as he took out the object within. It was a teacup and saucer, polished to a shine. On the surface, it looked somewhat plain without obvious decoration. However, the light made it gleam and the snow-white material almost glowed.

"It's porcelain but treated to be harder and more durable than goblin steel," Harry said, enjoying Dumbledore's obvious delight. "It'll keep whatever you pour in at the temperature you want but the outside won't burn you, and it's almost untippable if you put it in the saucer."

"I adore it," Dumbledore said. He poured tea into it and sipped. "Wonderful," he sighed. "Oh, well that is lovely!" he exclaimed when the white material changed color, turning into a warm red.

"The cup will match the color and the feeling of the liquid within," Harry smiled. "I thought that would be fun." He looked down at Fawkes who was looking up at him dolefully. "I didn't forget about you," he said reassuringly.

Fawkes danced happily when Harry unwrapped another parcel and put it in front of the phoenix. It was a wide shallow bowl that looked the same as Dumbledore's new cup. He danced around it and then fluttered to Harry's shoulder, nuzzling him and singing happily.

"It's a food dish that does pretty much the same thing," Harry said, smiling broadly at Fawkes' happy sounds. "And the only people that can take things from it after putting things in will be me, the Headmaster, Auntie Ari, and Mr. Abe."

"Now that will be quite handy and I can already see how Fawkes will abuse it," Dumbledore snorted. He shook his head when Fawkes transferred his food to his new dish and immediately started eating said food.

"Oh I gave the master key to the Uncommon Room to Luna," Harry said. "She'll take good care of it and I trust her to pass it on. She'll make sure the room is used how it should be."

"I concur," Dumbledore nodded.

"Aster and Clover are going to take over the Cooking Club," Harry said. "But when I can, I'll pop by to help if that's okay. Also Marigold and Clover are going to be the new co-Raisers of Morale, with your permission of course. They're as warm and friendly as Lavender and have three times the energy. I know they'll do a good job with keeping up events and the like."

"I approve of all that," Dumbledore said. "I am grateful that you found such appropriate figures to carry on the legacy." He sipped deeply of his tea and put the cup down and looked at Harry.

"Typically, this time of year is one of mixed feelings," he said at last. "While we should not play favorites, it would be a lie to say there are those we are sad to see leave. Conversely, there are ones we are very happy to see leave," he added and they laughed together.

"Harry, thank you, for all you have done," he said softly. "You have provided incredible services to the school. You have revitalized a cherished club and started a new one. You have expanded the minds and palates and stomachs of all of us here. You have helped students share their cultures with one another, share their lives and experiences in ways that we could not have done before, cared to before."

His eyes glinted. "You were a pillar during one of our darkest years. You have saved people, created an environment that is wholly better than it was before. You led us back onto the international stage and our potential for growth and prosperity has increased a thousand times a thousand. You helped put a painful period of our history to rest."

"I didn't do it alone," Harry said, throat thick.

"No, but you were instrumental to all of that," Dumbledore persisted. "You have healed so many, nurtured so many more, and have done what was once unthinkable, impossible even. Harry, you have my thanks. From the bottom of my heart, thank you for everything you have done."

"I say this a lot, but I didn't think I did anything special," Harry said, making Dumbledore chuckle. "But, well, even the littlest things can add up and become something more. I was thinking about the years I had here, how my life has changed from the day Hagrid showed up at Privet Drive. So much has changed and I can't imagine my life being any different than it is now. I don't want to imagine it! It's wonderful, and I really have you to thank, Sir. Because I don't think any of this could have happened if you didn't reach out to me and let me go to the kitchens because I missed cooking."

Dumbledore's eyes misted even more, remembering the small painfully thin boy who looked hungry for everything. Now he was a tall young man, much healthier in body, mind, and soul. "I am glad I did that," he said, voice husky.

"Me too," Harry said. He grinned. "I still believe in you Sir. I never stopped."

"And I never stopped believing in you too," Dumbledore said, smiling from ear to ear. He held his tea cup up in a toast and tapped it against Harry's. "And I never will."

"Me neither," Harry said. They drank deep and the moment felt warm and full and content. Harry busied himself with applying extra cream and jam to a scone and he laughed when he realized Dumbledore was doing the same. They exchanged heavily daubed pastries and ate them in one gigantic bite at the same time.

"This doesn't really feel like goodbye," Harry said thickly, this time due to the scone.

"Thankfully, it does not," Dumbledore agreed just as thickly.

-0-0-0-

Doombreed - I'm glad you liked it. Thank you.

Hands Off MY Wolfie - Harry's goal was in fact to do his best and to learn and I think he accomplished both very well. Thanks for reading.

Hufflepuffzd96 - Hopefully you enjoyed it.

odonnellzoo99 - I'm glad you liked it. I wrestled for a while how I wanted the competition to end and I think this way was more satisfying to me. He was able to incorporate everything he learned from the start, from his mentors, all the lessons, even going back to the summer before fourth year, and be who he is today by holding them in his heart. He stayed true to himself and earned his place.

Arnie1701 - Fair.

mike33308 - I think everyone is more or less content with how it ended.

minerdude - I think it was more important for Harry to be confident and to be happy with being true to himself.

Remzal Von Enili - Gives eating your emotions a new meaning.

DOOOOOOM Lord of Waffles - He could have won yes, if he went against someone less able and talented or made a lot of mistakes, but I think that would have cheapened it. Like you said, he didn't have the experience at the time to win against a solid opponent but that's okay. He did what he set out to do and he succeeded.

poka - I did think about it for a while, but this ending felt better to me. I was really happy to show a Harry that learned well from his years of life and was able to portray it in a positive way. I think it could have gone either way and both would have been satisfying, I just thought this way was more so. I'm glad you liked it and hope you enjoy today's.

iamchaos98 - Good to see you and I'm glad you liked the character growth.

JcL107 - I did love the Moon's Heaven Arena and had to do my own spin on it.

JRSDH1 - Harry stayed true to himself and that's just as important as winning in my opinion.

Anaklusmos15 - Thank you. I agree and I don't think Harry was using his backstory to try and elicit a response. He was just explaining why he did what he did and I think it felt better and more sincere that way.

Songwriter90 - Thank you, glad you liked it. I worked really hard on that chapter knowing it was a penultimate chapter of sorts and wanted it to feel like the entire story summed up in it in some way.

Wentley - Thank you. I really wanted him to leave with his head held high. That he worked hard, did his best, did not compromise on his vision and heart, was proud of who he was and how far he had come. I wanted people to tell that he appreciated what he did and did things for a reason. It felt more like him that way.

TimothyB - Thank you, I thought so too.

TheSphynx - I didn't really write her to be liked, so that's fair. I just wanted to show a person that has another mindset when it comes to doing what they do, and to be a rival of sorts. One set in their way.

DarkRavie - thank you.

alix33 - Hedwig sitting primly is a very cute mental image. Glad you liked the menus.