I do not own Harry Potter, the Wizarding World, or any canon characters.
Hello everyone, hope all are doing well. I have a very important announcement. Today, I wrote the final chapter to A Taste of Magic.
A year and a bit more than a month of work with a final word count of around 886,817 words.
I honestly can't believe it and I did it.
I won't give you an exact chapter count just to keep everyone guessing for a bit though because I'm mean like that. I will continue to post with 2-3 chapters a week and like with Family, I will start a countdown with the last five chapters. The last couple of weeks, I hit a streak and was able to just write and write and like I said, today I wrote the final word and finished it with fin.
I really hope people like how it ends.
What's coming after? Well first, I'm taking a smidge of a break aside from writing some Extended Family chapters. I honestly can't believe I managed another series rewrite and I cleared Family by 300,000 words roughly and that boggles my mind. I didn't think I had the energy or dedication to do it again and yet, here we are. Will I do a hat trick? I have no earthly idea.
That said, my little break should not have too much of an impact on posting and I still intend on keeping Extended going for a while yet. I am playing with an 'extended' style fic for this setting however. Much like the Family setting, I have come to truly adore the characters in this setting and feel reluctant to leave them completely. I may end up doing an alternating update between that and Extended Family on a weekly basis. I am also playing with three other ideas that will be much smaller in scope and length. One is something I've been mulling over that's related to Family, and the other two are not related at all.
Seeing all the words I've written across Family, Extended, and Taste, I am seriously considering trying to write my own story, one that I have been thinking about for a very long time now. Before, I didn't want to try because I wasn't sure if I could create anything worth reading. But now that I have done all the ones for this fandom, maybe I can?
Wait, I have a fourth idea that will be a one shot and it's really dumb but it would be kind of funny to write out and see.
Anyways, thank you all for being here with me. This fic has only lasted this long because of all of you. Your interest and time was my inspiration and I was able to push on and write on even during my lowest points in both the writing and my personal life. Seeing the kind words really helped and this is my ode to all of you and to cooking and food.
Thank you for being a part of my fanfiction family.
I hope you continue to enjoy and that you find the ending as satisfying as I did writing it.
Have a lovely day and a wonderful week!
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A Taste of Magic
161st Course – Having A Gala Time
"Oh my goodness, it's so pretty," Lavender breathed softly.
As soon as classes were finished, she and Harry were allowed to head to Grimmauld to get ready and from there, attend the Rising Star Gala in France. They would be accompanied by Sirius and Amelia as well as Andromeda and Ted though Daniel and Leena had gone to Grimmauld to see them and spend time with them as they got ready.
Harry dressed up with the best of what Leomattok had sent him last year. His pants were midnight black as well as his shoes and his shirt was long-sleeved and slightly off-white, complete with a black tie. His overrobe was black as well, edged in grey. Lavender wore a long dress in midnight black as well but threads of silver and blue were woven into the dress and they caught the light as she moved. A formal wrap of black edged in grey completed it and she wore a pearl dahlia blossom behind her ear.
Many pictures were taken of them and their families with Sirius and Amelia wearing very fine dress robes and Andromeda and Ted also wearing very good ones, with Ted's being more Muggle suit in style. They took a Portkey together to spare themselves the soot and ash of Floo travel and landed at the arena's Portkey point. Meeting up with Rita and the Flamels and Drake, they attended the Gala together.
It was being held in a private outdoor garden. The large space was lit by lanterns that dangled from strings that hung over the grounds, the flames flickering and dancing within. Brightly colored flowers were arranged all over, in beds and in vases and other arrangements. Individuals dressed in impeccably sharp uniforms walked the crowds, bearing trays of drinks and food. A string quartet gathered in the corner, playing softly by themselves with no hands to guide them. The music filled the air, underscoring the chatter from the guests and attendants.
A very large and fancy looking bar was in the corner with incredibly well-dressed bartenders mixing drinks and filling the trays as they were carried about. A small tent was in an opposing corner and that was where waiters came and went with their trays, arriving empty and leaving well laden. Everything had that shine and sheen of elegance that came from polish and the desire to appear, and be, the best.
"I feel really out of place," Harry said, half-joking.
"No you don't, you look good," Sirius smiled. "And you deserve to be here. You've worked hard in the competition and this shindig is all about it."
"If you put the effort in, reap the rewards," Andromeda smiled.
"I'll do my best," Harry grinned.
"If you ever need a distraction, merely say the word," Nicolas said, giving Harry a wink. "I can see four, no five, at least five ways where I can cause a rather large distraction ranging from amusing to catastrophic."
"Only five?" Perenelle frowned a little. "I see many more opportunities than that. Why I can cause seven alone from a cursory glance."
"Seven?" Nicolas asked.
"That is what I said," Perenelle sniffed. "The McClures, that idiot from the Department of Education, the Laurents, that other idiot from the Department of Education, Leroy-"
"No, Leroy is mine," Nicolas argued. "I still have satisfaction to gain from that incident in Versailles."
"Okay fine, but I can still cause one with him," Perenelle said.
"Do not forget about Anderson," Drake said, pointing at a person sipping from a wine glass.
"Why am I mad at him again? There are so many and they start looking and sounding the same," Nicolas asked.
"He is the one that said you could not actually be Nicolas Flamel and that the Stone was a myth for children and idiots," Drake said.
"Oh right, him! I will show him to be an idiot child," Nicolas said, sticking a hand into his pocket and about to stride forward.
"Maybe later," Harry said, grabbing his arm with a smile. "If I need it."
"Simply say the word," Nicolas said, glaring at Anderson who realized Nicolas was there. The other man blanched and nodded jerkily before retreating politely and swiftly. "If I accidentally cause a distraction without you calling for it, do not fret, I will cause another easily enough."
"Good to know," Harry beamed.
"Ah Harry!" Kaito appeared and shook Harry's hand warmly. "I was hoping you would be here."
"Good to see you," Harry greeted happily. "Are all the contestants here?"
"At least those that placed, saved for the one with foul air," Kaito said. "I have heard he and his friend and their mentor did not come."
"Thank goodness," Harry snorted.
"Indeed. Pleased to meet you, Miss Brown," Kaito said, greeting Lavender enthusiastically.
"Hi! Harry told me a lot about you," she said brightly.
"Hopefully he left out the unfortunate beginning," Kaito said wryly.
"Don't worry, there's only a couple of people Harry will say bad things about," Lavender smiled.
"Oh good!" Kaito laughed. He introduced Harry to his uncle, the current owner and head chef of their traditional restaurant in Japan. The man was incredibly polite to them and greeted them kindly. At first he seemed to be stoicism incarnate but then his veneer cracked and he smiled when he and Harry talked about the trickster foxes. He took particular glee in describing the havoc they caused in their home while Kaito shook his head, enduring the ribbing with good grace.
Gwendolyn appeared and greeted Harry happily before treating Lavender the same. It only took a few moments before the friendly Lavender and the gregarious Gwendolyn to be chatting and laughing together.
As they moved about the gala, they realized that there were more than just decorations being put out. There were small exhibits and examples of past contests that the World's Kitchen had conducted and then ones for the prior challenges in the Rising Stars were unveiled. There were pictures taken of the challenges, blown up for people to see. Some were already common knowledge, having been printed in numerous publications and newspapers, and the compendium. Some were brand new, showing different angles and moments from each challenge.
A swirl of light drew their attention to the center and Francis appeared in a flurry of fabric and sound, smiling at everyone there. "Hello one and all," he said warmly, his voice carrying through the air easily, "and thank you for attending the Rising Stars Gala! We are glad to share in your company this night. We are still a few weeks away from the finale, but due to this being one of the best contests the organization has ever put out, we wanted to have this gala to celebrate it and the contestants!"
He led the applause, clapping happily. "And let us continue to applause for our final two!" He flicked his wand and two lights shone down into the crowd. The first showed Celine wearing a silver-grey dress that moved like molten metal, reflecting the light with mirrored intensity. "Celine Beaufort!" She smiled demurely and confidently at the applause, making an elegant gesture with her hand.
"And Harry Potter!" Harry grinned sheepishly at the sudden attention, waving back to the people as they clapped and cheered for him as well, with his friends and family the loudest of them all. He gulped slightly when Francis made a gesture and after a tiny push from Lavender, walked through the crowd to stand at the host's side and they were joined by Celine.
"Now, do not worry, there is no hidden challenge," Francis said, laughing when the two looked at him swiftly. "Though there was talk of it," he added while the rest of the crowd chuckled and laughed.
"I sort of half-expected it," Harry said wryly, prompting more laughter. "Or rather, a friend put it in my head."
"Pity, we should have committed," Francis laughed.
"I would be fine with it," Celine said, giving Harry a very cool look. "I have come prepared."
Harry pulled his knife roll from under his robes. "Me too."
Francis laughed appreciatively. "It pays to always be prepared! Well maybe something will happen but until then, I'd love to hear a word or two from our finalists." He turned to Celine. "This is your third major competition, correct? You competed in the Bocuse d'Or with your mentor?"
"I have and he won," she said proudly.
"Very nice," Francis nodded and the crowd murmured and looked suitably impressed. "How has the Rising Star gone for you then? You have won twice out of the four challenges, not counting the placement. And here you are going into the finale."
"It has been a good competition," she said, crossing her arms in front of her. "It has challenged me and I have risen to each challenge. I remain confident that I will win the entire competition, something I set out to do from the beginning."
"Such confidence and the skills to match," Francis said admiringly. "How about you, Monsieur Potter? Harry, I mean," he amended with a smile.
"I've already done way better than I thought," Harry said honestly, flushing a little at the open laughter from the crowd. "This is my first competition after all, an official cooking one at least."
"It is," Francis said sympathetically. "And you have really done quite well. But you have worked a lot, if I recall correctly."
"Yes Sir, for four and a half years now if you mean professionally. Not constantly of course, still in school you see," Harry said. "But whenever I have the time and on holidays and over the summers."
"Oh my, all that on top of classes and school work? No easy feat," Francis exclaimed, shuddering at the thought of tests and homework. "How do you cope with the school work and cooking?"
"I'm lucky that one is the opposite of the other so I can go between the two," Harry said. "Though I did study a lot on flavors and cooking techniques, so maybe not that different."
"And how do you think you will fare in the finale?" Francis asked kindly.
"I'll do my best," Harry said.
"Well said," Francis nodded with approval. He looked at the contestants again and then over the watching crowd. "Hmm, while no formal challenge was thought of, it would be a shame to not take advantage of the situation. Perhaps not an exact head-to-head battle, but something to showcase your abilities to whet the appetite for the coming finale?"
He looked over the crowd. "A theme is needed. Let me see. Ah!" He noticed Sirius sipping his glass of wine and he turned to Harry and Celine. "How about a pairing battle? Show your abilities in making something that pairs well with the drinks being offered?"
"A simple enough task for a real chef," Celine said. She looked at Harry with hooded eyes. "Does that suit you?"
"Uh, I haven't really had a lot of wine," Harry said slowly. He looked around and saw something else. "Any kind of pairing?" he asked, suddenly more sure of himself.
"I am suddenly struck by you asking such a similar pointed question during the Entertainment challenge," Francis said wryly and the others laughed. "But you have made me curious, so yes. Any pairing from what beverages are being offered here tonight."
"Sounds fun to me," Harry said brightly.
"Then let me summon the manager of the kitchen tent and let them converse with you to bring what you need and prepare it for us," Francis smiled and the crowd cheered and clapped, excited by the impromptu contest. A witch in chef robes appeared and went to Celine first, speaking in rapid French. She nodded and gave instructions to a waiter before walking to Harry. She listened to what Harry asked for and nodded and soon returned with what he wanted.
Two large tables were conjured and Celine tied her hair up and took an apron from one of the kitchen staff, tying it over her dress. She then removed her knives from the small clutch purse she carried and got to work. She took puff pastry brought to her from the kitchen tent and cut circles of them out as well as rings, stacking the rings onto the circles. She then chilled them with a charm before setting them to bake. As they baked, she chopped chicken, bacon, leeks, and peppers and cooked them together with seasoning and cream. When it was reduced to a creamy filling, the pastry cups were finished and she cooled them again with a charm and filled them.
Harry had taken off his outer-robe and gave them to Lavender before he got to work. He beat egg yolks, and sugar together, making a fluffy mixture with his wand and then set it aside. Milk was cooked in a small pot over a portable stove until it came to temperature. He then mixed it with the egg and sugar mixture slowly, mixing it well, and added vanilla extract. After cooking for a few minutes, he added cold heavy cream to it. Then with a combination of charms, he constantly and slowly mixed the contents of an ice-cold bowl slowly and it eventually came together and froze into a smooth creamy gelato.
"Vol-au-vent au poulet," Celine said to eager applause as she showed off her finished dish. "Creamy chicken in puff pastry. It is very good with any white wine, especially one with robust flavors to match the creaminess of the filling and the soft but crisp puff pastry," she said.
"Mmm, very nice," Francis said, eating one and sipping a bubbly white wine. "Excellent pairing." He turned to Harry. "Gelato?"
"Yes Sir," Harry nodded.
"It looks very smooth and nice, and will be nice to eat with most wines I imagine," Francis said.
"Oh but that's not the pairing Sir." Harry took the pot of espresso from a waiter and poured a measure over a portion of gelato. "Affogato, to end the night with. Or start the night with. It's nice being an adult because you can eat dessert whenever."
Francis laughed loudly and brightly, and it was picked up by the others. "Ah I see! There were more than a few who had a cup of fine coffee tonight." Francis took the small cup and ate a spoonful of cold ice cream and hot espresso. "Mmm, wonderful! Hot and cold, sweet and bitter. Very nice! I think both of our contestants have earned their place in the finale, and it will be quite the finale to a wonderful competition!"
The attendants at the gala clapped and cheered, showing their appreciation for the two. Those closest to the tables were able to take the first finished products but others looked happy when Harry and Celine went to the kitchen tent to share how to make more for the others to have. Harry was happy to teach the charms he learned back in Rome to a very eager cook who thanked him profusely. As he left the kitchen tent, he came face-to-face with Celine who looked down at him with a rather cold expression.
"I finally have the measure of you," she said acidly.
"Do you?" Harry asked, flinching a little from the intensity of her gaze.
"Oh yes, you are just one of the many that have gotten their position through connections," she said coldly.
Harry frowned. "How do you figure that?"
She laughed without mirth. "Well let me see, you are barely an adult, barely have any history of professional work. I do not consider holidays and summers as full-time work. Yet despite that, you have been invited to one of the biggest competitions by one of the biggest organizations. How did that happen I wonder?"
"I didn't ask for it," Harry retorted.
"People like you do not have to," she replied. "You are simply given things, expectant of them even. Admit it, you used your connections with the Flamels to attain a place in the competition. They are legendary figures of Magic, especially Wizarding France. Many would bend over backwards for them."
"I did not," Harry said firmly. "And while they do a lot for me, they value hard work so I doubt they'd have done it even if I did ask." He flushed at Celine's disbelieving snort. "I didn't ask to be in this competition. I was sent a letter about it, I didn't even know it was a thing until after I received the invitation."
"Oh how lucky," she sneered. "Whereas all of us who were invited properly had to fight for the chance of it. We have to submit applications, showcase ourselves, fight hundreds of other applicants to have the chance to be placed while you receive a gilded invitation. How beneficial for you."
"I didn't know that," Harry said quietly, feeling his insides clench a little. "But I didn't ask for this."
"You have no idea the opportunity you have," she said, her tone growing more heated while her features became colder. "You do not comprehend what you are doing. This sort of thing can secure a chef's career for life. This exposure, this chance to show your skills and talent, the chance to see the true masters of the industry, all of it! And here you are, playing like a child in the kitchen."
"I don't play in the kitchen," Harry said heatedly. "I'm trying my best, just like everyone else. Look, I'm sorry if I took someone's spot like you said I did, but I worked hard, I placed by cooking. That means something." He flushed at her repeated snort. "Why are you so mad at me about this?"
"Because you have no idea what we endure, what we sacrifice for this," she said loudly. She glared at him. "I have worked my fingers to the bone for years! I have had to endure so many insults, so many lost opportunities not due to my skill but due to my gender! Others chosen over me due to their past connections and the very fact that they were men! Despite the fact that I could and can outcook any of them!"
Her eyes blazed and Harry had to resist the urge to step back from her. "Even though I was accepted by my Master out of school, I see others in his kitchens achieve more while doing less! I have to work harder than they! More than they! I have to prove myself time and again!"
She pointed a finger at him. "You have not suffered nearly as much as I have. You do not belong here. You do not deserve to be here." Only then did she notice how Harry was, how her latest words affected him. Normally she was used to being shouted back at, fought with verbally and sometimes physically. She was used to seeing silent but visible anger, or cold indifference.
Harry looked at her with haunted eyes, with an expression that was complicated and pained. "I don't know what you've gone through," he said at last, his voice cool. "And I'm sorry to hear what you have gone through and it doesn't sound nice at all. But I didn't do any of that, and I don't think it's fair to blame that on me."
He turned to leave, not seeing the change in her expression. As he took a few steps away he stopped and turned to face her once more. "Let me ask you this though, have you ever had to rely on your cooking to eat?"
She blinked at him, the question catching her off-guard. "As in I had to eat what I made?"
"No, as in to eat anything at all," Harry said softly, making her strain to hear. "As in if you didn't make something how they wanted, you weren't allowed to eat anything. Not even what was thrown away."
"No, that is barbaric," she said, giving him a strange look.
Harry looked at her for a long moment before he left swiftly, leaving behind a very confused Celine Beaufort who suddenly had no idea what had happened, and why she felt such doubt over what she thought was deserved self-righteousness.
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"Hey there you are." Lavender smiled when Harry walked to her but her smile immediately faded when she saw his expression. "What happened? Are you okay?"
Harry took a deep breath and tried to smooth his expression out. "I'm fine," he said automatically.
"No you're not," Lavender said firmly but kindly. She tucked her arm into his and pulled him gently behind one of the displays. "What's wrong?" she asked, wrapping her arms around his waist.
Harry sighed. "I had a conversation with Celine."
"Oh?" Lavender said, eyes narrowing slightly.
"She…accused me of getting the invitation to the competition because of Grandfather and Grandmother and said I don't deserve being here," he said lamely. He looked at her curiously as Lavender let him go and took off her wrap and was tying her hair up. "What are you doing?"
"Oh I'm just going to go have a chat with her about how she talked to you," Lavender said cheerfully as she held onto his shoulder for balance as she took off one of her heels. "Hold my shoes and my wrap please?"
Harry chuckled, feeling much better. "Keep your shoes on."
"I fight better when not wearing heels," she said matter-of-factly.
"As amazing as that would be, and I know you could take her, I rather you not get in trouble over me," he said, hugging her.
She hugged him back harder. "Wouldn't be trouble to me. How dare she say that to you! She's hilariously wrong and that's such a bitch thing to say!"
"She's had a tough time of it, apparently. Said some things I wasn't really aware of about the cooking world," Harry said quietly.
"Well, that's no excuse to take it out on you. I should know, it's like how I shouldn't have taken my insecurities out on Pansy all those years ago," she said quietly. She smiled as he kissed her. "Besides, it's not like it's your fault she went through all that."
"I know," he said heavily. "But what if she's right?"
"But she isn't," Lavender said firmly. "Not in the slightest."
"But apparently all the other contestants had to apply and go through a lot to even be invited to compete."
She shrugged. "Okay, well, even then, you didn't ask for any of this. And you still worked hard during the placement to be placed. And Grandmother and Grandfather didn't have anything to do with it. We would know if they did."
"That's true, and you're calling them that now too?" Harry asked, momentarily delighted.
Lavender giggled. "They insisted since we're together."
"That's awesome," Harry said happily. He sighed again, his momentary happiness abating. "What if they're keeping me in the competition for the drama? We knew it was a possibility."
She hummed softly. "Sure, but from what you said about the judges, the good ones anyways, they don't seem to be the sort to keep you in if you didn't belong. Like if you made a lot of bad things, they wouldn't have passed you to the next round."
"No, I don't think they would either," Harry said softly.
"You worked hard for this," she insisted. "You do deserve to be here." She hugged him hard and felt better when he returned the gesture. "Her cooking sucks."
He chuckled warmly. "You ate like three of the vol-au-vents."
"I had to, they're tiny and barely any substance to them," she sniffed. She smiled as he laughed. They stood there for a few moments, holding each other.
Harry tilted his head a little, listening to the music change. He smiled and moved slightly, taking her right hand with his left and holding their arms straight while curling his right arm around her back. "I think I remembered what Blaise taught me," he said as he moved slowly.
"Blaise taught you?" she asked, eyes sparkling as she followed his lead, stepping with him to the music.
"Briefly. He said I looked like someone shoved an insect down my back." They laughed brightly together.
"Yup, that's something he would say," she giggled. She smiled up at him as they waltzed slowly. "This is really nice."
"It really is," he agreed as they danced together. "Maybe we can get him to teach us more some time."
"I'd like that," she said, resting her head against his chest, listening to his heartbeat as they swayed.
"Me too," he said softly. "Thanks for everything, by the way. I love you."
"I love you more," she replied, kissing his chest. "This is perfect."
He hummed agreement.
"Well, actually just shy of perfect."
"What would make it perfect?" he asked, eyebrow raised.
"I could use another affogato or three to wash the taste of the vollythingies out of my mouth."
He laughed loudly and hers joined his. "Well if there's no more on the floor, we can ask the tent if I can make more."
"Perfect," she smiled.
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Arnie1701 - Fair. Also true.
odonnellzoo99 - Parvati was desperate and wanted to use what was on hand. Right? They love him too much to believe he could ever be that bad. It's a good and bad thing. Hedwig can be the instrument of his ire though and do it very well.
Hands Off MY Wolfie - They really help get her point across. Yup, or Fawkes surreptitiously steered him. Maybe. Thanks for reading.
mike3308 - No not really.
Remzal Von Enili - That would be too much.
DOOOOOM Lord of Waffles - Nope, one of the few things he can't do. Hedwig will be the vector of his spite and judgement though, thank goodness.
Wentley - That was one of the goals. Letting Harry be a student and enjoy his time while still having big things happen to him, just a lot less dire.
TheSphynx - It's a very stare-y stare. Hope you liked today's chapter.
alix33 - It does sound very good. I hoped the descriptions did the pictures I was looking at justice.
poka - I like little moments like that that are just silly and fun and fitting. Hope you like today's gala chapter. I thought it would be really funny for Hedwig to immediately regret her actions in judging Harry and had to show affection and contrition. She was too carried away.
DarkRavie - Thank you.
Guest - Thank you.
