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

A Taste of Magic

170th Course – Onward and Upward

"And you've got your passport, your other papers on you?" Lavender fretted.

Harry patted the pocket under his cloak right over his chest. "Yup, right here. Same with my wallet that Remus gave me that shocks people if they try to take it."

"And your wand?"

"Right here, wrist holster that Dora got me. It's Auror grade equipment."

"And you know who's supposed to meet you in America?"

Leena smiled. "Lavender, let the poor boy breathe."

"It's okay," Harry smiled. "I kinda like it when she does this if I'm being honest."

"That's good," Leena laughed, smiling at Lavender's flat stare.

It was finally time for Harry to leave for America, starting his professional career and staging at different professional restaurants. The last few weeks had gone by in a blur and while they knew the moment was coming, it was still a poignant time.

The Farewell Feast and the Graduation Ceremony for leaving Hogwarts was bittersweet. The feast had all the food that Harry had taught the elves while attending Hogwarts and it was amazing to see the variety of dishes available now. Many were so appreciative of the changes and a lot of the under-years were sad to see Harry go.

The Graduation Ceremony was very meaningful as well. As first years, they saw the castle for the first time at night, sailing across the Lake under the night's sky. They left the school by going across the Lake in the morning, seeing the sun rise above the castle. It symbolized them moving on to a new day, to a new chapter of their lives after school.

Dumbledore gave a short speech, highlighting what they had accomplished during their seven years there, how things have changed. He spoke glowingly about the TriWizard, the first time they were invited back to the International Scholastic Showcase in decades, and how they set records for their O.W.L.s and N.E.W.T.s scores. He was incredibly proud of them and they all felt like they could conquer the world after he finished.

To Harry, it was a very bittersweet day. Hogwarts was the first place he called home and leaving it after all this time was difficult for him. Knowing he would be welcome back at any time did make him feel better however. Knowing that he would be greeted with warmth and smiles and genuine care every time he would return was heartening.

There was a grand party in Grimmauld the day before and the venerable home was filled with all the people that came. It was a wonderful party and Harry fully indulged in it because he knew it would be some time before he and his friends would be together like that again. They made the most of it and enjoyed it utterly and fully. Everyone made their goodbyes to him last night and today at the Ministry, Sirius and the Tonkses and Remus were sending him off with Lavender, Leena, Marigold, and Clover.

"Who is meeting you in America by the way?" Remus asked.

"Miss Edwina," Harry said. "She had some business there anyways and moved things around to greet me. She's familiar with the American Ministry too, visits a lot."

"Bet Drake isn't too happy," Sirius snickered.

"He couldn't get out of his current meetings so he 'accepted the circumstances'." Harry shook his head ruefully. "He doesn't know that Edwina moving her stuff around made his stuff get moved to what it is now."

"I need to be on her level of petty," Dora admired.

"Powers help us when that happens," Andromeda sighed. She hugged Harry tightly. "I am relieved you are going to America first. At least you can speak the language with a few differences in detail."

"Yeah but don't worry. You know how careful I am, you know, usually," he added to collective snorts. "And I'll keep my compass on me at all times," he said before being crushed by Dora.

"Good, I'll come running whenever," she said, her hair long and black and messy.

"Write often," Clover and Marigold sniffled, hugging him between them.

"I solemnly swear," Harry promised, hugging them back. "And will send treats and things when I can."

"You'll keep an eye on him for us, right?" Lavender asked.

Hedwig nodded emphatically. She looked a little disgruntled at being within a cage but she fluffed up and nibbled on Lavender's fingers in a reassuring way. She opened one eye wide first, then the other, then both and stared at Harry unblinking.

"Thank you," Lavender said, feeling better. She sighed and wrapped her arms around him. "Be safe," she whispered in his ear. "And send lots of messages through post or the vase or if the mirrors work."

"I promise," he said back. He kissed her sweetly, pressing his lips to hers and injecting every warm thought and feeling he had for her. She melted into him and they held each other for a long moment, ignoring all else. Finally, they broke apart for want of air and she smiled brightly at him with a hint of tears in her eyes. "I love you," he said, cheeks pink.

"Love you more," she replied, kissing him again. She reluctantly let him go and they watched him stand on the Portkey point and hold the Portkey chain in one hand firmly, hugging Hedwig's cage to his chest tightly. His friends and family waved and wished him a safe trip as the chain glowed brightly and with a loud crack, he was gone.

"He'll be okay," Sirius said in the ensuing silence. "He's tough. He's proven it."

"And we'll be right here waiting for him when he comes back," Leena said lovingly, her arms around her daughters.

"Yeah we will," Lavender nodded. She sighed heavily. "I'll still really miss him."

"And he'll miss us," Andromeda said kindly, hugging Lavender. "But we will more than make up for lost time when he visits."

"And it's only a year," Dora said, her hair shifting to grey.

"What if he stays longer?" Clover and Marigold asked together plaintively.

"We go and find him and drag his arse back home," Dora said.

"Yeah!" the Brown twins said, cheering up.

Ted chuckled warmly. "Hey, just think about this, imagine how much better he'll be at cooking when he returns and all the new stuff he'll know how to make," he said, winking.

"Oh hey that is a great point!" Dora gasped.

The families left the Ministry and while their hearts ached slightly, their spirits were buoyant and they were looking forward to the future to come.

-0-

Hi Lavender!

It's been about a week since being here in New York City and holy carp, it's incredible. The city is so huge and I know why they call it the City that Never Sleeps now. People are out and about at all hours of the day, even in the Wizarding parts. It's really cool and a little tough to get used to, but being able to get all kinds of food in the middle of the night is something I find really cool.

Oh my goodness the food. There are so many different kinds of food! I've been able to try things from all over and it's so cool.

Work has been really intense too. Chef Banks' restaurant, La Brasserie Americaine, is amazing. It's French-style cooking so some of it is really familiar which is a relief because it's so busy! It's busy like Gringotts Main One during lunch but from opening to close! He opens from lunch to dinner and it almost never stops save for a brief break to reset. It's incredible and I'm learning a lot already.

The crew here are pretty nice. Some were originally from France and most are from America. They sorta treated me like the Crew did at first but they've been warming up after they see me work. They thought I wasn't going to pull my weight and I'm glad I've been able to prove them wrong.

Hedwig's been good. I had to get her a special license item thing because owls aren't seen as much in the city, especially snowys but we're used to that last part. Apparently when she went out to explore, she got into a fight with pigeons and other birds here that are magical in nature. She trounced them of course, which drew the attention of the American Ministry Department of Magical Creatures and they thought she was something more than a magical owl. It turned into this big thing that thankfully the ICW helped smooth over. It didn't help that the Ministry official kept poking her with this tool and she got tired of it and kicked it out of his hand and chased him around and kept jabbing him with it while scolding him. He's afraid of her now and well, that's what he deserves honestly.

We're going to the West Coast soon. There's this amazing restaurant called the French Laundry and it's run by one of the best chefs in the country and Chef Banks got us invited with one of his author friends and another couple of chef friends. It's so cool to just sit and listen to them talk. I've learned so much.

They do drink a lot though. They haven't tried to get me to drink with them thankfully.

How's everyone at home? I'm glad you got the invitation to work with Madam Malkin for a little bit while keeping up at Millicent's shipping company. Oh, Doran told me that when you and Parv are ready to set up a business account, let him know. He is going to take responsibility for it and has been researching fabric business and the like to prepare for it and to better advise you. He's cool like that.

I have to go soon though. I'm falling asleep while writing this, that's why it's a little messier than normal. I'm tired a lot because of the workload but it's been wonderful. Don't worry. I'm eating properly. Hedwig forces me to drink enough water and get to bed for proper rest. She's giving me the eye right now. She hoots hello too and long distance nuzzles.

Love,
Harry.

-0-

Pansy looked around the small office with wonder. It still felt a little surreal to her. That at her age, at her experience level, she had her own office.

True to his word, Alan had obtained a larger place for them to rent in Diagon Alley for his negotiation and mediation firm. He only ever had a small office of his own and a front area for his secretary and assistant. With Pansy joining him, he was happy to find a larger space and succeeded in finding a whole floor in a business building. It afforded him a bigger office, a large entry room that split into two smaller waiting rooms, and now Pansy's office.

Hers was smaller but it had a lovely view into the street. She also had her own personal communication Floo, not big enough for travel, but was perfect for calls and small deliveries. And while she did not have her own assistant right now, Alan promised he would find one for her when, not if, the time came. She had already sat in on a few meetings and she even had a client of her own that liked working with her and requested her services for negotiations.

At the moment the office was a touch bare. It only had her desk, a couple of visitor chairs as well as her bigger and more comfortable one, and a filing cabinet. But it was all hers. Her space. And she loved it.

"Yes?" she called out when someone knocked on the door. She looked at the appointment book on her desk, frowning when she saw she did not have any scheduled appointments. Her frown turned into a smile when Lavender poked her head in. "Hi Lavender!"

"Hi Pansy!" Lavender walked in and hugged her. "I love the office! It's so cool!"

"Thank you! A bit bare, but it is mine and it is very new," Pansy smiled. "Oh, hello everyone!" Her eyes widened as others came into the room behind Lavender. "What are you all doing here?"

"Visiting and getting into your business," Parvati said. "Meaning we're going to decorate your place some."

"Really?" Pansy gasped, delighted.

"Really." Blaise looked around and tutted. "It's as bland as your personality right now."

"You mean as bland as your wardrobe," Pansy shot back.

"My wardrobe is anything but bland," Blaise sniffed, smoothing out his stylishly cut robes of deep purple edged in black.

Pansy's smile grew as her friends moved around the room, carrying small things with them. In a surprisingly short time, the previously bare room was a lot more colorful and lived in. A large bookshelf was installed behind her desk with room for books as well as personal effects. Luna painted a picture of Hogwarts at night and it was hung on the wall, above a plinth that Blaise brought and had put a very nice-looking vase on, one that was porcelain with blue motifs running over it. Neville brought an air creeper plant. It was a cousin of the tentacula but the vines would go after bugs and pests and the flowers cleaned the air for her. Lavender and Parvati put up new drapes for her in soft grey threaded with pearl that matched the carpet.

"Thank you all," Pansy said, looking around. Her eyes sparkled. "It's wonderful."

"Looks much more personable now," Blaise said with satisfaction. "To make up for your shortcomings."

"Just like your wardrobe does for you," she said without venom, still smiling happily.

"How has work been?" Luna asked.

"Very good," Pansy said. "Busy, and I am still learning as I go of course." She touched the dove pendant around her neck. "But Father says he learns still constantly now as it is, so I doubt it will change for me."

"You look happy," Parvati smiled.

"I am happy," Pansy nodded. "Again, not what I ever considered for myself, but I am glad things became this way." She brightened. "Oh! I wanted to tell all of you. I will be going with Father to New York on a quick business trip, but will be seeing Harry. So if you want me to take anything, I will happily do so."

"Great! We can send a care package," Lavender said happily. "Thanks!"

"My pleasure," Pansy smiled. She looked fondly at one of the picture frames on the shelf in the new bookcase. It was one of all of them in front of the castle, taken on the day of their graduation ceremony. Everyone within the picture was smiling and laughing, waving energetically. She adjusted the picture a little, making sure it was centered and straight.

"How does lunch sound? My treat," she said.

"Sounds good, where?" Parvati asked.

"We can go to the newly opened goblin restaurant. I've gone a few times and Father and I get take away at least once a week from them," Pansy said.

"Sounds good to me," Neville said. "Must be good then."

"I think so," Pansy said as she led the way out of the office. "Not as good as Harry of course," she smiled.

"Naturally," Luna smiled.

"How are you two preparing for the new school term?" Pansy asked.

"I'm ready. I've been doing extra reading with all your N.E.W.T.s notes you gave me," Luna said. "Keeping busy and working on my portfolio for after I graduate."

"I'm enjoying my mastery work with Professor Sprout," Neville said enthusiastically. "We've been working on a lot of combined lesson plans with Professor Hagrid and Care of Magical Creatures."

"That's good," Pansy said. "I think Millie is going to do a mastery in Care too, alongside her Hunting career. I hear it's a natural thing for many Hunters to consider."

"She's been asking me about my mastery stuff," Neville nodded. "I've encouraged her."

"Oh say, did your mother get the space she wanted?" Parvati asked.

Blaise nodded. "She did. She's setting up a permanent office too now with a space for showcasing upcoming artists and the like. It'll be good for us to have a place for meetings instead of constant house calls."

"Is she taking the ground floor and the floor above it in this building? Father mentioned it," Pansy asked.

He nodded again. "Managed to get a discount for the rental after your Father and her spoke to the owner."

"That'll be nice," Pansy smiled. "I like seeing Auntie Tina often. I can tolerate you."

"The feeling is mutual," Blaise chuckled.

-0-

Hi Harry!

It's so good to hear from you. Thank you for the manuals and extra books! They've been so helpful and I love my medical bag. That's so kind of you and I'm so grateful.

Healer training is so intense. I always knew it would be but it's so much. Classes in the morning, practicals in the afternoon, clinic hours all over with even weekend ones. I'm glad I don't have to learn a lot of stuff I won't be using and it's really focused compared to school, but again, so much.

I'm really lucky though. I managed to be apprenticed to Healer Li, Sue's aunt. She's so nice and fun and we get along great. Plus she tells me all the embarrassing stuff about Sue so you know, even better! She told me she put me on an accelerated track because of my performance which is good and bad. Good because I get to have more practical experience and am moving on at a faster pace. Bad because I'm moving at a faster pace.

Parv's found me passed out a lot at home and she complains how much she has to drag me to my bed. She still does it though and hasn't done anything to me, that I know of, so I'm grateful.

She's been working really hard too. She's taking business classes and has learned accounting things from Mr. Ted while doing her fabrics and designs. It's cool to see her so enthusiastic about it. She even helped Dad figure out his vault expenditures which was really funny to see him and Mum be so surprised about it. They're super proud though, and so am I.

Don't tell her I said that.

Grandmum is doing great and she wants me to tell you she misses you. And that you better not forget how to make proper curry and food. She said she spent too long teaching you for you to forget it. OH! I have to tell you this. She and Mum were out with our cousin and her new baby and this guy apparently was super rude and was getting really aggressive with them over something. One thing led to another and he went for his wand and GRANDMUM STABBED HIM. She used our knife and stabbed him in the hand!

Of course the Aurors were called and Dora showed up and Dora just laughed at the guy who said Grandmum attacked him first, which there were plenty of witnesses around saying he was the aggressor. He got arrested and taken to St Mungo's and Grandmum didn't get charged with anything. Apparently he's traumatized by her because he saw me at the hospital and freaked out because we look alike since we're kin. I had to learn later why he was so scared.

Is it weird how proud of her I am?

Anyways, Mum had to admit that Grandmum having the wrist-knife wasn't a bad thing and Grandmum put the memory of that into a glass ball that she can play whenever she wants.

I love her.

I'm glad you're having a good time. Hope you're not overdoing it like you normally do. Chef Banks sounds really cool and I'm glad you enjoyed your time down south. Please don't show me the leeches you saw in Louisiana though. I recently did a parasite course and I couldn't eat for a couple days.

Talk to you soon!

Love,
Padma

-0-

"Hello Hermione!"

"Hi!" Hermione smiled and returned Daphne's fond embrace. "How are you?"

"Doing well, thank you," Daphne smiled back.

"I heard about your upcoming concert and lesson," Hermione said excitedly. "I'm sure Tracey told you already, but we're coming."

"She did but I am glad to hear it," Daphne said. "I have done a lot with enchanting the instrument and the papers and materials, I will share the notes with you later."

"Please do!"

"How has your enchanting mastery work?" Daphne asked.

"It's so interesting and I'm learning so much," Hermione said enthusiastically. "Mistress Tonks is an amazing witch. I thought I knew a lot leaving Hogwarts but the way she applies things is so different but really good. And Mistress Flamel is even more incredible."

"Will you be transitioning into Alchemy?"

"I haven't decided," Hermione said honestly. "Enchanting has so much, as you know, and there's still so much to learn and do."

"I am sure Tracey and Aunt Tiffany are very pleased with your enchanting skills," Daphne smiled.

Hermione laughed. "They already put me on their payroll as a junior consultant. But Auntie Andi is joining them formally soon so they'll be even happier."

"I am sure." Daphne looked at Hermione curiously. "Is it true you two went to Sanguis for a project?"

Hermione nodded. "The school is so stuffy and looks fancy in a bad way."

"Agreed, I have seen pictures," Daphne snorted.

"The students seem okay mostly. Though one of them called me a mudblood," Hermione said wryly.

"Of course they did," Daphne said sympathetically.

"But Headmistress Malfoy made him eat mud for saying it. Apparently that is her usual punishment for the crime," Hermione continued.

"Goodness, well deserved though," Daphne said approvingly.

"I didn't see Draco," Hermione said. "But from the conversation the Headmistress and Auntie Andi had, he seemed to be doing okay."

"I hope so, for her sake," Daphne shrugged.

-0-

Hi Uncle Harry!

Thank you for the present! I really like it. The Empire State Building sounds very tall but Grandmum says the Spire is just as tall so that's very neat.

Have you found the Big Apple yet? I think it must be very big, especially since it's in the big city.

I hope you and Hedwig are good and safe. I know you will be because you have a wrist-knife from Grandmum protecting you. Hope to see you soon!

Love,
Emmie.

-0-

"Wow, that is a very big boar," Neville gasped.

Millicent smiled. "Right? One of the biggest that the Tribe has ever seen! Took the Hunter team and a party from the Tribe to take it down with its sounder. It was bullying the other sounders and other animals in the area and we had to cull them. Luckily we got them all and we divvied up the spoils. The Tribe took a bunch, the Rangers took their fair share. Ron took one for his home and I sent parts back to the family company. This one and a couple others I'm bringing for Hogwarts."

"That's good of you," Neville praised, kissing her. "I'm assuming the scratches don't hurt much since you haven't healed them."

Millicent touched her face, surprised to find the scratches. "Oh didn't even notice."

"Wow, you caught that?!" Nathan and Owen exclaimed. They had come to the grounds and saw Millicent there with Neville. They stared up at the immense boar.

"Yeah, and somehow, you two are still bigger pigs than it," Millicent said fondly and the siblings exchanged rude hand gestures. "How are they doing and no need to lie for them."

Neville laughed. "They've been doing great. Kept up with their Herbology work and are doing good. No lie."

"That's good," Millicent said. She shook her head when the two made faces at her and walked off to rejoin the rest of their class. "At least they listen to you."

"They listen to you too, they just say they don't," Neville said.

Millicent snorted. "I'll believe it when I see it." She looked around and lowered her voice despite them being the only two near each other. "Say, guess what."

"What?" Neville asked eagerly.

"I think Ron and Hannah are seeing each other, like that kind of seeing each other," Millicent said gleefully.

"Really?!"

She nodded. "We were talking about significant others and stuff on a hunt and he was talking about a girl he fancied and I was like 'that sounds an awful lot like Hannah' and he went red. He then was saying he was delivering one of the smaller boars and wouldn't tell me where but I know he went to the Cauldron."

"That's great and good for them," Neville smiled. He snorted deeply. "I just had a terrible thought."

"Well share it with me!"

"I just thought that he and Hannah had something hilarious in common."

"The fact that they both didn't like Harry at first?"

"You thought it too?!"

"I said it to his face when I thought it!"

Neville's laughter rang out. "What did he say back?!"

"He told me to shut up," Millicent chortled.

-0-

A little more than half a year later.

Lavender looked up at the building. On the outside, it looked nice; well-built and situated on the edge of the main mercantile street in Hogsmeade on the corner, leading to the residential parts of the village. It was mostly rectangular with some large windows looking into the building. However, through the windows, it was apparent that the interior of the building had been neglected. Debris and trash had been left there. The inner walls were dingy and in a state of disrepair. Despite all that, Lavender was absolutely giddy with excitement and nervousness.

She threw her arms around Parvati and hugged her hard. "It's all ours!"

"It sure is!" Parvati exclaimed, hugging her best friend back.

"We're not about to make a giant mistake, are we?" Lavender asked nervously.

"I hope not," Parvati said back with equal nervous energy. "I don't think so though. We've worked so much since graduating. We did some smart investing with what little money we had and grew it a bit. Had tons of business meetings and planning with experts. Have a small supply line ready. And we're going to start small with mostly some new stuff and be able to do alterations and repairs. We got permission from the Hogsmeade council and blessings from Gladrags. This is about as prepared as we can be if we didn't want to work for a few more years."

"Just making sure," Lavender said. She released a deep breath. "We can do it. We're still going to work with Millie's company but slowly expand our end until we are on our feet as our own clothier and design and product shop!"

"We're going to do it!" Parvati and Lavender opened the door to the building and coughed as a waft of dust and stale air wafted past them. "Maybe we should've waited for the weekend when more people can come and help."

"Let's get started at least," Lavender said, looking around at the disused place with grim determination. "Let's try to get the smaller trash things cleared out of the building. Mr. Abe said he'll be by later to help us take it to the place they collect trash to dispose of and show us how that works."

"Right. We can do this," Parvati nodded. "While we're in here though, what the hell was this place before?"

"Something to do with magical creatures I think," Lavender said.

"Explains the smell," Parvati sighed. "Right, let's start."

The duo started to clean. At first they were able to use cleaning charms but it soon was apparent that the charms could only do so much. The amount of leftover trash and things had deeply saturated some surfaces and the residue could not be cleaned with spell alone. They had to break out the cleaning supplies they brought, Muggle and magical, and got to work cleaning more. They worked solidly and doggedly, breaking apart into different parts of the store in an attempt to cover more ground.

Lavender sighed as the bottle filled with magical spray cleanser fell over and rolled off the counter she was behind, clattering on the floor on the other side. "Great, sounds like it rolled far away," she grumbled. She smiled when the bottle was deposited neatly on the counter. "Oh thanks Hedwig. Can you get me that sponge over there please?" She took the sponge from the helpful owl. "Thanks, I really appreciate-HEDWIG?!"

Hedwig barked a greeting, cheeping happily. Her white speckled feathers appeared even more luminous and bright in the darkened and mucked up interior.

"What are you doing here?!" Lavender exclaimed, wiping her hands clean and hugging the fluffed-up owl, kissing her on the forehead. "Did you deliver something? Wait, you wouldn't be flying over from Japan for that, right?"

Hedwig shook her head and cheeped smugly, giving Lavender a pleased look. A form blocked the outside sun from entering the door and Lavender squealed with delight, seeing Harry standing in the doorway. "Harry!"

"Hi Lavender!" Harry grunted when Lavender threw herself at him and he caught her, back stepping a little to prevent them from falling over. He hugged her back hard, enjoying how happy she was and how glad he was to see her.

"What are you doing back?!" she exclaimed after kissing him several times in rapid succession.

"I remember you and Parv saying you were probably going to get your place at this time. I asked for a few days off and it actually coincided with a longer holiday in Japan so Chef Morimoto was more than fine with it. As long as I bring her back some of our tea cakes and biscuits. She's gotten a taste for them. So as soon as I finished with my last shift, Hedwig and I grabbed a portkey back." He hugged her again and kissed her sweetly. "So here I am! Ready to help!"

"I love you," she sighed happily.

"Love you more," he smiled into her hair.

"You sound way too happy to be cleaning," Parvati complained, walking around a wall. "Harry!"

Harry caught her with a free arm and hugged her back. "Hey Sis!"

"Welcome home!" Parvati cried, hugging him tightly and kissing him on the cheek. "Please tell me you're back to help."

"Sure am! I'm back for 5 days."

"Good! 'Cause as you see, we need it," she laughed.

"It's not too bad," Harry said, looking around. "We can do it easily."

"Especially if you feed us. Learn more tasty foods?" Parvati asked eagerly.

"I've learned so much. Japanese cooking is some of my favorite now," Harry grinned. "And I brought back some ingredients but I can figure out what to do with mostly local stuff. I sent a few messages ahead and everyone that can come over will be meeting at the Hog's Head later."

"Then let's get cracking and we can go and hear all about things!" Lavender said, getting her wind back.

The four of them got to work and Lavender and Parvati felt much more energized with Harry and Hedwig there. Harry shared his experiences of working in Japan with them while they cleaned. Hedwig fluttered about collecting trash and scrap and kicking open the windows and beating the curtains for them while Harry helped deep clean things and help them move the heavier things out.

"Do you see Tsumugi, Chiyo, and Sota a lot?" Parvati asked.

"Yeah," Harry said. "Tsumugi plays for her prefecture Quidditch team and Chiyo is working for their Ministry. Sota is working at his family's bento restaurant. Most days I'm working at one of Chef Moriomoto's restaurants, but she's on good terms with the Aikawa family so I've been there to work sometimes too. I see Kaito a lot too and have visited his place as well. His uncle is still really funny. I've learned a lot and can actually say a good amount of kitchen terms and cooking things in Japanese now, but my translating earplug still helps so much."

"Have they been nicer, the crews and kitchen staff," Lavender asked.

"Yes and no. Chef Morimoto's staff are all incredibly professional and polite but not very warm but they're getting friendlier," Harry said. "The staff at the bento place is a lot more relaxed and they were really friendly from the start. A lot of them are family members and they practically accepted me from the first time we met."

"I bet they did. Your usual charm," Parvati smiled.

"I don't know about charm," Harry laughed. "But they said they felt like they knew me because of all the messages Sota and I exchanged and they liked a lot of the recipes I shared and sent."

"How are the foxes?" Lavender asked.

"Adorable as always," Harry laughed. "You see a lot of them in the magical parts of the cities and villages. They have a lot of different personalities like we were told before. They have owls too and smaller birds called storm petrals, like the ones we saw at the Showcase. But they move about as easily as owls do and Azuki and Ebi come by a lot."

"Has Hedwig beat up any other magical animals?" Parvati asked, smiling as Hedwig puffed her chest out and struck a pose. She playfully air punched at Hedwig who flapped around and playfully kicked and nipped back at her.

"Surprisingly not. The other foxes were kept in line by the ones that have met her before," Harry said while Hedwig cheeped smugly. "There were a couple of other owls that tried to test her but she chased them all over and now they're properly respectful."

"As they should be," Lavender giggled.

After a few more hours of work they finally stopped, looking about the much cleaner main room with satisfaction. "That's so much better," Lavender sighed happily.

"Thanks, Bro," Parvati said, leaning on Harry.

"Of course. I bet we can get all the cleaning done by tomorrow and then we can start doing the set up for everything else," Harry said, wiping his hands clean.

"We need to do the upstairs too. We're going to be living up there for a while at first," Parvati said, stifling a yawn. "Eventually we'll probably split off. Grandmum says it's better for you to live somewhere else so your mind and body can take a break from your work."

"That makes sense," Harry nodded.

"Let's go to the Hog's Head," Lavender said eagerly. "I'm starving and want to see everyone and have them see you! Is it open tonight?"

"Not tonight," Harry smiled as they all started walking down the street. Hedwig sat on his head, plumping down comfortably. "Tonight is friends and family only, but tomorrow they're opening and I'll be working at night."

"Not much of a vacation," Parvati said worriedly.

Harry put an arm around their shoulders. "I'm seeing my friends and family and I'm back home and I get to do what I like. It's my kind of vacation."

"That's our Harry," Lavender sighed happily, resting her head on his shoulder.

-0-

The Hog's Head was full of people.

Sirius, Amelia, and the Tonkses were there of course, as well were the Browns. Dumbledore, Flitwick, Hagrid, Remus, and McGonagall had come and the majority of Harry's friends were able to come see him. Diglin, Dee, the Crew, Doran, and Ragnok were there and the air was full of laughter and chatter and savory delicious smells.

"Okay, this is really good," Sue said, gobbling down the bowl full of steaming hot white rice, seasoned beef, and soft onions. "Gyudon?"

"Yup! And isn't it great? It's sweet and savory and just perfect with rice." Harry poured a new portion onto a bowl and gave it to an eagerly waiting Susan.

"You keep getting better," Susan said, mouth full of food.

"I hope so!" Harry laughed. "How's law school going?"

"Tough but not bad. It's kinda funny how we learn less magic than when we were at Hogwarts," Susan laughed. "Aside from some really handy spells like a volume finder spell, a quick translation spell, that sort of thing."

"There's some really funky laws we need to learn for procedural things and comparison," Sue said. "But otherwise it's doable. Oh and we'll eventually have a more magic-heavy class: Self-Defense of all things. Apparently it's necessary given the profession."

"Glad to hear it, well the last part is a bit concerning but at least they're preparing you," Harry said as he started making a new portion. He poured dashi, mirin, sake, soy sauce, and sugar into a pan and stirred it before heating it up. Then he sprinkled thinly sliced beef and onions into it, covering the pan with a lid. After it browned and cooked through, he added thinly sliced green onions on top and then poured everything onto a bowl of piping hot white rice.

"Which do you like more so far? America or Japan?" Blaise asked, accepting the bowl eagerly.

"Both are good for different reasons," Harry said. "Obviously it helps to speak the language in America with a few different words here and there. And I know it was different in the big cities, but having access to so many different cultural cuisines was incredible. America is so big too. I can't imagine travelling without magic. Japan is so different though and it's intimidating but I really like how it is there too. The main cuisine is so different too and it's really different compared to French cooking so it's been really eye-opening to really delve into Japanese cooking and see how they do things and treat things differently."

He grinned. "I've filled so many notebooks and things already with notes and recipes I've learned.

"Good for you," Hermione smiled. She gave Parvati a look. "What, nothing to say?"

"Nope," Parvati said, eating hungrily. "This is all stuff that'll benefit us so take all the notes Harry."

"That's fair," Padma laughed.

"Just a little more than two-thirds of a year and you'll be back for good," Luna said wistfully. "Not to say you shouldn't be happy now though. I'm being selfish."

Harry hugged her. "I understand. I miss home too but that's why I'm working extra hard now so I learn a lot and fast."

"Take the time you need," Daphne smiled. "We are not going anywhere."

"Glad to hear it," Harry said again soulfully.

-0-

A little more than 2/3rds of a year or less than 3/4ths of a year later.

The bell above the door jingled, heralding someone entering the store. Lavender, still looking down at something behind the counter, called out. "Hi! Be right with you!"

The Needy Thread had been open for almost half a year now, and they were starting to hit their stride. Lavender and Parvati knew that running a business as adults would be much harder with much higher stakes than when they did stalls and commission work as students.

They also knew that they were having a much better start than most people who started their own business. True to his word, Doran had taken very good care of their business accounts and helped them set things up while advising them on how to allocate their funds and what to expect in operational costs and expenses while helping them on their fees and what they wanted to charge. Not only that, the Bulstrode company would be providing a lot of their material at cost and discount, as well as the Greengrass shipping company. Not to mention that they had some investors in their burgeoning business, providing a cushion for them.

They refused to take all of that for granted and worked hard in making as solid of a business plan as they could while strictly keeping themselves honest on the incoming investment support and writing out how to reward and return the investments with ample legal documentation written up by Gringotts. Luckily everyone had been happy with the terms of the agreements.

The grand opening of the store had been a rush. Their preexisting stock had been claimed very swiftly and they spent a lot of their time working on new finished items, often one of them doing work on that while the store was open and the other helping with customers, and then time was spent after the store closed. They took orders and did a lot of alteration and repair work, something Gladrags did not do, so their business was solid and eventually, rising. Their pet accessories were a big hit. Not only that, they started doing a lot of repairs and things for Hogwarts students and ran a student discount for them.

After months of hard work and sleepless nights, they were able to hire on more people to help with both production and customer service. Then they were able to rest and enjoy themselves more. The two girls saw people everyday wearing the clothes they made and repaired and their happiness and pride grew and grew.

"I'm just finishing this up real fast and can help you," Lavender said. Her fingers danced over the shirt as she repaired a tear, nodding in satisfaction as she managed to do it without the stitch showing too much. "What can I do for you?"

"Well I just got back from traveling and I need a new wardrobe," a voice said warmly. "Something fitting for the local environment. Also my friend here needs some new accessories. A new straw hat, some ribbons, bandannas, that sort of thing."

Lavender's smile grew from ear to ear and her fingers moved even faster. "That sounds like a lot of work," she said, her voice trembling slightly. "I only do that for people I really like and are really cute." She finally looked up, eyes dancing.

Harry smiled back at her. "Well that's good because Hedwig is really cute," he said and Hedwig nodded regally, fluffing up and tilting her head in an almost coquettish way, blinking soulfully up at Lavender from where she plumped on the counter.

"Yeah she is," Lavender said and kissed Hedwig on the forehead who bonked her back, hooting happily and self-assuredly. "Hi!" She leaned over the counter and pressed her lips against Harry's kissing him with all her might. "When did you get back?!"

"About twenty minutes ago," Harry said, his smile crooked and goofy from the kiss. "Came straight here after going through customs."

"How long are you staying now?" Lavender asked, looking happy and hopeful.

"Well, uh, forever, hopefully," Harry said with a trace of his old shyness. "If you'll have me of course."

"Wait, are you all done?" Lavender gasped.

Harry nodded. "I'm done. I finished the end of my stage by helping Chef Gabriel set up his second restaurant and got it going. I think I learned all I wanted to for now and I'm ready to come back home and stay here. I'm ready to start my own place. I don't want to leave you and the others again." His eyes opened with surprise as Lavender climbed over the counter and into his arms and kissed him again and again. He held her easily and kissed her back, beyond happy.

"Hey! No snogging during work hours! You're grossing out the customers!" Parvati came around and smiled at the sight but waggled a finger at the happy couple. "No one wants to see that!"

Hedwig fluttered over and landed on her shoulder. She then extended a wing, blocking Parvati's eyes and turning her own head to face the other way.

"Okay this works too," Parvati laughed and Hedwig laughed with her. "Thanks Hedwig. Welcome home Harry!" She walked over as Harry let Lavender go and hip bumped her best friend out of the way so she could hug him.

"Glad to be home," Harry said, hugging her warmly back.

"He's back for good!" Lavender yelled happily.

"Finally!" Parvati shouted, hugging Harry again.

"Yup! Only vacations and short trips for me in the future and I want to go with people," Harry smiled. "But it's time for me to stay. This last year or so was amazing and I learned so much but it's time for me to make a place here. I think I'm ready."

He smiled as he was spun in a circle by both Lavender and Parvati, both grabbing an arm and running around and yelling happily. Their laughter filled the Thread and the other employees and customers looked on with big smiles, enjoying the sight.

-0-

This time the party was held at Grimmauld. Word got out that Harry was back and for good and those that could come came as soon as they could with others making plans to see him as soon as they were free. The home was filled with people once more and they gathered on the rooftop garden to celebrate and welcome him home.

"You must have been crazy busy since you barely came back while you were in France," Ron said.

"It was really busy," Harry nodded. "For a while I had thought to come back on days off or to sleep here or something but I really couldn't. I was so tired and international Floo really takes it out of you so I just stayed with Grandmother and Grandfather. Sometimes I barely made it back home that way."

"Blinky got used to coming to the Floo when she heard it and could carry you back to your bed," Perenelle smiled.

"She also wanted to go threaten Gabriel for overworking you," Nicolas chuckled.

"I mean, I was exhausted all the time and working a lot but it was valuable experience," Harry laughed. "I'm glad to be done, but it was worth all the time and energy. I'm glad to have helped Chef Gabriel start his second restaurant and get it going."

"He didn't want you to stay and work at it?" Padma asked.

"We talked about it," Harry said. "He was prepared to promote me into a high position there and at that point, I was pretty comfortable with his senior staff and helped train the new staff." Harry looked around at everyone on the rooftop and took a deep breath, letting it out slowly. "But we both also knew I was getting to the point that I was ready to leave. I'll forever be grateful to him for the opportunity and the time and the knowledge, and I'll always help him out if I can for specific things. But it was time to move on."

He grinned at Aberforth. "Loyalty is good, but so is doing the right thing for yourself."

"Damn straight," Aberforth said proudly.

"What are you going to do now?" Hermione asked eagerly.

"Sleep for a week to recover," Harry said and they all laughed. "After that, well, time to get my other dream working. I've been really thinking and planning in my very few moments of spare time and I know I'm still really young, but I learned a lot and I think I'm ready."

"And you are not alone," Doran said happily. "We are with you."

"Every step of the way," Ariana smiled.

"I know, never forgot it," Harry smiled.

-0-0-0-

Arnie1701 - As I have said before, there will be a version of that coming.

JRSDH1 - There will be a fic coming with chapters related to that among others.

Jaysto - Glad you have enjoyed it.

DOOOOOOM Lord of Waffles - We still have a few chapters in this before it wraps up completely.

poka - I don't know. Sometimes I look at a very poignont chapter that I work very hard to create the right atmosphere and mood, and then gleefully ruin it with a sausage joke. The duality of Wok I suppose. There will be a few more chapters remaining and an extended version of sorts coming eventually.

odonnellzoo99 - They will be seen in the extended fic. Harry really had an impact on Hogwarts and the culture of the school, as well as the culture of the growing world, and it's really nice to see. And he is only going to continue to keep things going and growing into the future.

TheSphynx - Well I appreciate you still liking it despite being disappointed. Good bye does have a finality to it that Harry doesn't want, so see you again feels more right.

darthjohn - Thank you, glad you appreciate the stories.

alix33 - Fawkes can be quite possessive.

Hands Off MY Wolfie - Fawkes was happy with his gift and ready to use it. I remember saying goodbye to my favorite teachers when I left high school. Sadly I don't really keep in contact with my high school friends anymore. Thanks for reading.

DarkRavie - Thank you.

ecoBlade - There will be a few more chapters to go for this fic.