I do not own Harry Potter, the Wizarding World, or any canon characters.
Hello everyone, hope all are having a nice start to the week. You might guess the contents of the chapter based on the title. I do like my callbacks and running jokes. Also, today marks the third course before the end. We're coming close. I hope you all enjoy this chapter, I feel like it was also a long time coming and well worth the journey.
Have a lovely day!
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A Taste of Magic
174th Course – Blissfulness and Awkwardness
Two years later
"Come on, dove," Rita wheedled. "You know I'm right."
Harry grinned as he sauced the dish and put it on the serving tray. After a last glance he nodded with satisfaction. "Done. Thanks Willie." He turned to Rita as Willie left the kitchen with the tray. "I know you're right about a lot of things."
"So what's the problem?" she replied with a big smile.
"Because I don't need that," Harry laughed as he took the next few dishes from Guy that were just finished and waiting for him to complete.
"Oh tosh, it's not about what you need sometimes but about what you want," she said, waving a hand.
"She's got a point, Chef," Eddie said as he walked over with plates of steaming dumplings.
"Thank you, Eddie," Rita said with satisfaction.
"You're just upset that Benjamin won't let you get another dog," Felicity remarked from the cold-prep station.
"Don't you already have two?" Harry asked, looking over.
"But the third one is so cute and she's only half the size of Mitsy," Eddie said defensively.
"Isn't Mitsy the Saint Bernard?" Rita asked.
"Are you questioning the person that's trying to help you?" Eddie asked mildly.
"I mean, yes, half the size means more space for all of them," Rita amended to general laughter. "Lavender, you agree with me, yes?"
"Oh no, I'm not falling for that," Lavender laughed as she entered the kitchen. "I've learned my lesson from my sisters and Parv with that. What are we talking about?"
"The cookbook," Harry smiled as he sent the next tray of food out.
"Oh right! I mean, it would be a good one with your recipes and Rita's writing," Lavender said.
"Thank you!" Rita said, smiling smugly.
"But why are you pressuring Harry again about it?" Lavender asked.
"I would never," Rita gasped. "I am merely strongly encouraging it because I believe in him and it."
"That and you're transitioning more into book writing," Harry said knowingly. He wiped the edges of the plate clean before adding a final sprinkle of cracked black pepper on top of the seafood and noodles dish.
"Which I think lends more strength to my argument honestly," Rita said. "I personally think Wizarding Britain's International Return to be some of my finest work."
"It is good and surprisingly accurate," Lavender smiled.
"Thank you dear and-hey what do you mean 'surprisingly accurate'?" Rita gasped as they laughed.
"My answer is the same as last time, Rita," Harry said comfortably. "Not yet. Doesn't mean never. Just not now."
"Can't blame a girl for trying," Rita sighed theatrically.
"Chef, I am only doing this so that I can say that I attempted it," Chloe said, walking into the kitchen. "Consider yourself asked if you would be willing to open tomorrow."
"Who's asking?" Harry asked, looking amused.
"Do not know, do not care," Chloe replied. "They should consider themselves fortunate that I did not Curse them through the Floo for even asking."
"You're closed tomorrow?" Rita asked, looking intrigued.
"Yup," Harry said. "It's Lavender and my anniversary tomorrow so wanted to spend the day together and do something special."
"Aww congrats!" Rita said, hugging a jubilant Lavender. "You could have kept the restaurant open and had the staff serve you two as guests," she smiled, winking at the Brigade.
"We offered," Mirra said.
"I don't like having my people work when I don't," Harry said easily. "I don't want them to do anything I'm not."
"And that is why we adore you," Chloe smiled.
"It is why I am still here," Guy said honestly as he brought more plates that needed to be finished and sent out.
"That and it's Zoe's favorite place," Harry smiled, taking the plates from him.
"That is very true," Guy nodded.
"Seeing how you will not open tomorrow, surprising no one, I will inform the individual of your decision," Chloe said and turned to leave.
"Politely," Harry called after her.
"How politely?" she called back through the window.
"No spellcasting!"
She sighed. "Oui Chef."
"I love her," Lavender smiled.
"She is incredibly good at her job and the best," Harry agreed.
"Hey Kid!" Bennets appeared outside the window and waved.
"Hey Mr. Bennets!" Harry wiped his hands clean and walked over to the window to shake the older man's hand. "Welcome home! We've missed you. Everything go okay?"
Bennets nodded. "Yup. Pain in the arse for a couple of weeks but worth it in the end. Caught the bastards, got things back to where they should be, and I got another useless commendation."
"You can build a little fort out of them," Harry smiled.
Bennets laughed. "Only thing they're good for. And I've lived off rations for weeks so feed me, please. I need it."
"Oh boy, I bet Dora's going to be even hungrier," Harry laughed.
"Only reason she's not here is 'cause she's doing final paperwork but yeah, hope you got extra stuff. The rest of the team is coming too."
"You heard the man," Harry said to the Brigade. "We're working hard tonight and earning our pay." He laughed as they mock groaned. "What're you in the mood for?" he asked, turning back to the scarred man.
"Your food, as much as you can make," Bennets grinned.
-0-
Lavender yawned, slowly waking up. She reached out with her eyes closed but smiled widely when she felt that Harry was still in bed with her. With a sleepy grunt, she pulled him closer and snuggled into him. Even on their shared days off, he sometimes was out of bed before she woke up fully. She blinked a little, rubbing her eyes, and looked at the clock. "Oh wow, it's a little late," she giggled.
"Just a bit," Harry smiled, kissing her. "Good morning."
"Good morning! Happy anniversary!" she cheered, waking up more and kissing him back. "What are we doing today?"
"I was thinking we could walk around Diagon a little in the late morning, check those new stores you were interested in," Harry said. "Then a mid-afternoon meal at the Hearth. I made something special for us and will cook there. How does that sound?"
"Wonderful!" She kissed him a few times on the lips before bounding out of bed. "Come on! Let's get the day started then!"
"I woke up before you and was waiting for you!" Harry laughed.
"And?" she laughed back.
In a short time, the pair changed and were ready. They took the Floo from their home to the hub at Diagon Alley, newly made to accommodate a bigger influx of visitors and shoppers. The main street had grown in the last two years with many new streets splitting off the main, each with different shops and places on them. The Alley had plenty of people, even on a weekday, showing even more change as the years passed.
"Hey look at that," Lavender said, pointing at a sign as they walked past. She had one arm threaded through his and she leaned against him comfortably as they walked. "More stores being built and for rent and ownership."
"You thinking of expanding the Thread?" Harry asked. "Diagon branch?"
She hummed. "Maybe one day," she said. "Parv and I talked about it a few times but we kinda like being out in Hogsmeade more and we'd rather expand the Thread as it is now. Besides, we're not really suffering for lack of business. We'd get way busier here true, but then have to accept everything that comes with it."
"You have your stuff up in the windows at Bulstrode's Fabrics," Harry said. "That's good advertisement there."
"Yeah! And we get a lot of people coming to visit us from that alone," Lavender said happily.
"I see a fair amount of your things about," Harry smiled, looking at the crowd. He was not wrong. More than a few people had a shawl, hat, cloak, or jumper with the symbol of the Needy Thread lovingly embroidered onto the article of clothing.
Lavender sighed happily, hugging his arm closer. "It's so cool! I never thought I'd see the day!"
"I knew," Harry said confidently.
She pulled him down to kiss him sweetly. "What about you? Ready to open your second restaurant?"
Harry laughed. "I just got comfortable with the Hearth as it is now. I don't think I'd ever open a second location of the Hearth though, doesn't feel very cozy."
"I agree, it's one of a kind," Lavender nodded.
"And same, if it's here, it's going to be way busier," Harry said as he and Lavender continued to walk down the street, looking into the windows and weaving around the other guests.
"Didn't you have an idea for a concept though?" she asked.
"I did," he nodded. "Still want to play with it though. I don't want to risk the Hearth. I like the vibe of it now and how steady it is. Ideally I'd like a few more staff on either side so more people can have off when needed."
"Well you're about to get two new permanent kitchen staff," Lavender smiled. "By the summer."
"I told them they could take some time off after graduating, but they really want to jump in," Harry smiled.
"Well they've been working for you on holidays and summers, whenever they could," Lavender laughed. "Clover and Aster are so excited to finally work on their dreams and be professional chefs."
"I asked if they wanted to go to any of the cooking schools, but they didn't want to."
"What would they learn that you can't teach them?"
"I'm not the only authority on cooking," he laughed. "But I think I have a way to get them more experience and visit some places here and there. You know how I've taken a few apprentices here and there from Paris, Japan, and Gringotts?"
"Oh like an exchange program? That'd be cool!"
"I think so too! Chef Morimoto said she was fine with it, especially if I train them to be like my skill set when I first staged with her. I don't know how they'd do with Chef Gabriel, and I don't think he'd be free or as interested, but Chef Ripert would I think. And Chef's more than willing to trade people with me and train them up too. I already take in a lot of people from Gringotts as it is."
"That'd be good. Clover does really like Thalga."
"But you're not wrong, having them fulltime will be a big help," Harry concluded. "That and they genuinely like to work so there's that. Are you happy that Marigold is going to work with you?"
Lavender nodded. "Yup! She's still going to do an apprenticeship with Daphne, but she's interested in clothing and fashion too. Will be good for her to do both. And she'll have to listen to me because I'll be her boss."
"You know she's only going to really listen to Parv, right?" Harry grinned.
Lavender sighed. "I know. Parv already told me. Marigold too."
After visiting the stores they wanted to, they ended the Diagon trip by going to Flourish and Blotts. Biblia saw them walk in and she waved energetically to them. "Hey you two!" she greeted warmly. "Finally have some free time?"
"You got it," Lavender smiled. "You said you had some new charms books that I might be interested in?"
"I sure did, follow me!" She led them to the appropriate section and pointed out the new books to Lavender. "Saw these come up and they had some interesting new color charms and durability charms and the like. Plus there's a book on modern Muggle fashion I thought you'd find fun, since it's a magical interpretation of it."
"Oh that sounds hilarious," Lavender said eagerly.
"We got some new magazines from around the world, but you're still the resident expert in the area," Biblia said to Harry. "Oh but look here."
"Hey, the cooking section is bigger," Harry smiled.
"And you see this spot? Right next to the registers? It's so open and people will have to see it when they come up to pay," Biblia said in an oddly cajoling way.
"Did Rita put you up to this?" Harry asked, laughing.
"Just saying that Frank and I have a spot that is perfect for your eventual cookbook," Biblia said with a wide smile. "Location is everything as you know."
"Mmhmm," Harry grunted with amusement.
It took them a little time to leave. A few of Lavender's patrons had stopped her to talk about something and Harry had been mildly embarrassed and yet very touched when a few people recognized him and asked him to autograph the latest copy of Gourmancy for them. The latest edition had a very large section dedicated to Hedwig's Hearth, it being nearly the anniversary of its opening, as well as an examination on the other restaurants that have opened in Wizarding Britain within the last year and a half. There were also guest articles written by international food writers that have visited Britain and had eaten at the Hearth. It was an extra-large edition and had sold very well, needing reprints.
"Hungry?" Harry asked when they finally left.
"For you, always," Lavender smiled, eyes dancing.
-0-
"Should I set us up a table?" Lavender asked as they walked into the Hearth.
They were the only two there and consequently, it was oddly silent. Normally, now, Hedwig's Hearth was usually full of noise. Either the chatter and happiness from the customers, to the staff bantering with one another while working, the sounds of the kitchen filling the entire building, it usually hummed with sound and activity. Even when it was only a few of the Brigade there doing prep work or cleaning, they usually had the wireless or a record player on as they worked.
It was a comfortable silence however, not one that was museum solemn or painfully awkward. It was as if the Hearth was sleepy, enjoying a softer time that was more calm than normal. Still entirely pleasant and content.
"Let's eat in the kitchen," Harry said. "I like it when we just sit and stand at the prep table and I can serve right from the stove."
"I like that too," Lavender smiled. "I can make it a little fancy though!" She went out and returned with some flowers and put it in a cup with some water.
"Perfect," Harry smiled. He changed into a simple chef coat and tied an apron on and got to work. He had a menu in mind and was already summoning various ingredients and things with economical flicks of his wand and a few that was closer was summoned wandlessly. Soon he had a few pans on the stove and food began to hiss and sizzle in the oil over the heat.
Lavender sat at the table and sighed happily, watching him. It was nothing new to her by now of course. She had seen him cook in many ways in many different instances and circumstances and places. She never grew tired of it though. Especially after he eased into his professional role and mindset. He moved with an easy grace, an assuredness that spoke of intent and experience. Even when he stood in one spot, he was never quite completely still, upper body moving in time with the food and the heat.
In fact, many a breakfast or a late dinner or snack at their home was like this: him cooking, her sitting at the kitchen counter. She could be reading or going over business work, sewing to catch up on Thread work or for fun. They could be chatting about their day, talking about many things, or just spending time together doing two completely different things in companionable silence. It was something they adored and did as often as they could.
"First course," he said, putting a plate of crisp potstickers in front of her, still steaming. The top of the dumplings glistened from the steam and the bottoms were golden brown and perfectly panfried.
"I'll never be tired of dumplings," she said happily, mixing a little sauce from the bottles at the counter. She made two of them, just like how she and he liked them, and popped one into her mouth after dipping it into her sauce. "So good," she huffed, blowing air to cool the tasty and very hot morsel she was chewing.
"I'm so glad Sue taught us," Harry said as he ate too. "I always feel like I should be paying her and her family a percentage. But they said as long as I have a standing reservation for them here, then that's enough."
"Oooh, this looks nice and homey," Lavender admired as Harry plated the second dish. It was half a chicken, deboned, on the plate alongside fluffy mashed potatoes, roasted sprouts and parsnips and carrots, and a nice sized Yorkshire pudding with smooth gravy alongside.
"It's been popular since adding it to the menu," Harry smiled as she divided everything up for them to eat and enjoy together. He leaned forward when she offered the fork tipped with chicken and mash and gravy and ate it in one bit. "I was a little worried it might be a bit too plain."
"I don't think it's plain," Lavender said, eating happily. "It's good solid food. Nothing too fancy or out there. You know what to expect and you do it perfectly."
"I hope you don't praise anyone else's cooking like that," he said, smiling wide.
"Only myself when I finally make something good," she said honestly.
"Everything you make is good," he protested.
"It's sweet that you lie to spare my feelings," she said, rolling her eyes at him.
"I'm not lying. They are good," he sniffed. "Maybe not to everyone, but to me they are."
"Well, guess that's what matters most," she said and kissed him. She sighed happily when the main course came out, a bowl of rich beef stew. "Mmm, still probably my favorite thing you make," she said after taking the first bite and chewing blissfully.
Harry ate from his own bowl, looking down at the dark brown stew full of beef, potato, carrot, peas, and onion. The tang of the herbs cut through the thick richness of the broth, the ingredients still retaining shape but soft to the touch. "It's come a long way, hasn't it?" he asked.
She nodded. "You can taste how it's changed. I still remember the very first time I had your beef stew."
"Which one was your favorite?"
"All of them," she said sincerely. "For different reasons." They continued to eat together and when they finished the stew, she patted her midriff. "Oof, almost completely full. I should have just enough room for dessert," she smiled.
"Good," he laughed. He handed her something wrapped in soft fabric.
"Oooh, is dessert inside?" She took off the soft red cloth and looked at what it was around. "Aww, it's your bag! Are you finally letting me remake it?"
"Never," he said. He suddenly looked nervous. "It has your anniversary gift inside."
"Yay! Why do you look so nervous? Did you take advice from Blaise again? Remember I've liked all…my…" She had reached into the bag and pulled out a small black box. Her smile faded and her eyes widened as she looked down at it. "Is…is this what I think it is?!"
"I hope so," Harry said. He coughed awkwardly and mustered up a smile that was a touch nervous and jittery. His stomach turned a little and he took a deep breath. "I know you know that the bag you made for me our first year at school is one of my most precious things, and I keep my other precious things in it. And well, the last few years have been so busy for both of us and we've done so much. The Thread is doing amazing, the Hearth is getting there, we moved into our home here in the village. Now that we're settling down a little, I knew it was time for my next…precious thing."
Sapphire blue eyes met emerald green eyes and he looked at her in earnest. "Lavender, I've loved you for so long. I think I loved you before I even knew what it meant to love someone. Before I thought I could ever be loved by someone. You've been there for me through all my lows and all my highs, you've taught me what was right and what was proper. You showed me that I was good for many things, and not just good for doing something. You've supported me so much and I'd be lost without you."
He gestured to the building around them. "I already thought all of this was impossible, yet you helped make it possible. And I know that the only thing that could be better, the only way anything could be better, is if we could be together even more so."
His next smile was so soft, equal parts sure and apprehensive and nervous. "Lavender Elizabeth Brown, will you please marry me?"
She looked at him for a long moment before she climbed over the table and wrapped herself around him, crushing her lips to his. He stumbled back slightly before catching his balance, holding her tightly and keeping them both from falling over. They stayed there for a very long moment, before finally breaking apart.
"Yes," she whispered against his lips, kissing him again. "Yes!" she said more loudly, kissing him again and again. "YES! HARRY JAMES POTTER, I WILL MARRY YOU! I'M GOING TO BE LAVENDER BROWN POTTER!"
He laughed, all his nerves and fears immediately leaving him and he spun with her in his arms, the both of them laughing loudly. The happy sound filled the kitchen and spilled out into the dining room until it felt like the entire restaurant rang with their laughter. He finally let her go, slowly and gently putting her back on her feet.
She clung to him, squeezing him with all her might. She could not stop smiling, her cheeks beginning to ache. Her heart thumped and danced and beat all around inside her and she squealed at the top of her lungs.
"Aren't you going to look at the ring?" he asked, his smile from ear to ear.
"Oh right!" She opened the box with shaking hands and gasped with delight at the sight. The ring was made of silver, catching the light and nearly glowing with how bright it was. It was a slim band with a single diamond embedded into it, the internal facets making the light glint and glimmer. Two needles were etched into the band, going into one end of the diamond and out the other in opposite directions. "It's too beautiful," gasped.
"Only the best for you," he said. "May I?"
She nodded happily, holding her hand out. He slipped the ring onto her finger and it fit perfectly. She felt it warm as it settled on her finger and she looked at it with wonder.
"Goblin silver," Harry said, enjoying how happy she was. "Forged and handwoven. The usual impervious charms and magics. Warming too. And it belongs to you forever."
"I love it," she said softly. "Almost as much as I love you." She pulled him to her and kissed him again. "Thank you," she whispered, eyes tear-bright but her smile outshone the sun. "I love you so much. Thank you for loving me."
"I should be saying that to you," he said back.
"Does anyone else know yet?" she asked.
"I asked your father for permission," Harry said. "But I didn't tell him when I'd be proposing and I didn't mention it to anyone else."
"Oh no, what did he say?" Lavender asked, frowning.
Harry grinned. "Nothing bad! I promise. Though Cokie was there so she knows too and she kept staring at him."
Lavender laughed brightly. "Keeping him in line."
"That's what he said," Harry smiled. "But no. He was great. He said I must be used to dealing with the Browns by now with you and Clover and Marigold." He chuckled at her huff. "And he was glad I stuck around because he's outnumbered otherwise."
He softened. "He said he had an idea when you said that if you didn't come to my first birthday party, you'd be sad forever and hold it against him forever until you died."
"Oh right, I did say that," she laughed, blushing.
"He also said I better be sure and if I wasn't, he'd let me take it back." Harry laughed at her look. "Cokie bit him after he said that."
"Good!" Lavender said.
"But he gave me his blessing and said he had considered me as a son for a while anyways," Harry said, his voice soft and warm.
"He's annoying and the best," Lavender said. She held him close for a long moment, feeling complete and warm. "Did you have any other plans after this?"
"Uh no, I was keeping my options open depending on your answer," he said weakly.
She pinched him, making him laugh. "Let's tell everyone! See who wants to come over!"
"You sure?" Harry asked, delighted.
"I'm sure! Our friends and families should know and we should celebrate it with everyone!" Her eyes widened. "Wait!"
"For what?!" he asked, alarmed by her sudden change.
"I need my dessert first!" she said impishly.
Harry blinked and laughed and laughed and she joined in, their voices mingling and echoing. He walked to the oven and came back with a tray of all sorts of biscuits. He arranged a few on a plate with a scoop of ice cream and poured out a cup each of milk, espresso, and tea.
"Biscuits?" Lavender asked, smiling.
"First thing I made for you. Well, made and you had," Harry said shyly.
"How'd did you get so romantic?" she sighed lovingly.
"I listen when you and Parv talk about Witch Weekly articles," Harry smiled.
"Yeah you do," she said. She bit into a still warm biscuit and sighed happily.
"Well?" he asked.
"As good as the very first time I had them," she said back. She kissed him again. "You taste like chocolate chip biscuit," she laughed.
"You're sweeter," he replied.
"Okay, that was more cheesy," she smiled. "But I love it. And you."
"Love you more."
She shook her head. "No you don't," she said with complete sincerity.
-0-
"Hey! What's the emergency?" Parvati asked, greeting them as she walked into the Hearth.
"Emergency?" Harry asked, nonplussed.
"Well, Lav didn't say emergency outright but said I better be here if I know what's good for myself," Parvati said.
"And she does know what's good for herself," Padma said dryly, following her sister. "She just typically chooses to ignore it."
"Duh," Parvati said and the sisters laughed together.
"I thought you were closed today," Pansy said, hugging first Harry then Lavender. "Oh, well I suppose you still are since it's just us."
"It's nothing bad right?" Sue asked.
"Nope, something very good actually," Harry said, smiling still. "We're just waiting for a couple more people to come before saying what." Eventually the rest of their available friends arrived, happily greeting each other and clustering around in the kitchen.
"Thank you for the food," Luna smiled as she ate a dumpling hungrily, nibbling it from one end to the other.
"Seriously, the second-best part of visiting," Blaise smiled.
"So what's the word?" Susan asked.
"Are you opening a second restaurant?" Ron asked.
"No, not that," Harry said, laughing a little.
"A second clothing store?" Astoria asked.
"I hope not!" Parvati gasped, making them laugh.
"I'd hope you would know if that was the case," Padma laughed.
"Me too! Well, go on," Parvati said, poking Lavender. "Tell us why you had us come over on such short notice."
"We're getting to it!" Lavender said crossly, poking her back.
"Wait." Pansy frowned and looked down at Lavender's hand. She reached out and grabbed it, holding it still. "That, is very new," she gasped, staring at the ring.
"You didn't have that yesterday!" Parvati gasped, also grabbing Lavender's hand and staring at it. She looked up at Lavender's smiling face and then at Harry's equally smiling face. "You mean-are you two-well go on and say something!"
"We're engaged!" Lavender screamed.
The kitchen exploded with noise, shouting and laughing filling the air and the space. Lavender and Harry were wrapped in a flurry of hugs as their friends cheered and celebrated with them.
"About time!" Parvati squealed; hugging Lavender hard before jumping on Harry.
"Congratulations you two!" Pansy shrieked, hugging them tightly.
"How wonderful!" Hermione shouted, hugging them and laughing.
"When did you ask her?!" Millicent asked eagerly. "I'm assuming you did anyways."
Harry laughed and returned her embrace. "Today, literally less than an hour ago. We wanted to share the good news with everyone and you lot were first."
"Oh isn't today your anniversary?" Blaise asked. "Good show Harry! Very well done that. Makes it easier to remember," he smiled.
"Ha!" Pansy suddenly looked superior and pointed at everyone. "I knew it!"
"Oh that's right," Millicent groaned. "Wait, did you specifically say this year?"
"The year was never the question, but the day," Pansy argued.
"Hold on before you count your kelpies, Hermione, do you have the sheet?" Millicent asked.
"I should," Hermione said, opening her purse and digging about within.
"What's going on?" Harry asked as he and Lavender stared at their friends.
"Here it is," Hermione said, pulling out a small roll of parchment. She smoothed it out. "Pansy was right, anniversary. She, Luna, and Ron win the pot."
"You all were betting on us?!" Lavender shrieked as coins exchanged hands. "Again?!"
"Yup," Ron said, smiling at the pile of coins in his hand. "Here you go again mate. Knew you had it in you, again."
"Thanks, Ron," Harry said, bemused and touched once more as he took the coin from him.
"I can't believe you lot were betting on us," Lavender grumbled, "again!"
"You really should have," Luna said brightly. She hugged them both. "Congratulations again!"
"Note that we all believed it would happen," Daphne said, smiling. "It was honestly a matter of time really."
"We've got the best friends," Harry laughed, hugging Lavender from the side.
"I guess," Lavender sighed, smiling through her irritated huff.
"So, party?" Parvati smiled.
"Let's get the rest of the family here," Harry grinned.
-0-
Officially, Hedwig's Hearth was closed but it was full of people and laughter and of course, food. Lavender and Harry had reached out to their families and the families of their friends and they all came as soon as they could. Millicent and Hermione went out and brought back Sunny and Crookshanks and the Browns brought Cokie. Fawkes appeared as he normally and the animals with Hedwig added to the delightful celebratory cacophony.
"Welcome to the family!" Andromeda shouted, kissing Lavender on the cheeks. "A thousand welcomes!"
"We have a big brother!" Clover and Marigold squealed, hugging Harry between them.
"Now we're officially sisters!" Dora cheered, making her hair burly and blonde and her eyes bright blue.
"The best thing to ever happen to the Blacks," Sirius said wetly, hugging Harry and Lavender.
"I finally get to call you one of my own," Leena said warmly, hugging Harry.
"And now we are officially even more your grandparents," Perenelle said, squeezing Lavender.
"Can I be the blade bearer?!" Emmie asked, climbing up Harry.
"Yes, a goblin tradition," Diglin smiled. "Sounds exactly like it does."
"I don't think we'll have any blades," Harry laughed, holding her. "But how about flower girl? You get to hold flowers and scatter them around for us."
"I like that too!" Emmie said loudly.
"But flowers are so soft," Dee said, frowning a little.
"That's the point," Flitwick snorted.
"No, flowers don't have points," Dee argued. "Unless we forge them to have points."
Aberforth had broken open a barrel of his special brewed ale and was passing the cups around. He filled Dumbledore's cup to the brim and looked around fondly. "Listen to the place," he said with uncharacteristic softness. "She sounds so happy."
"She really does," Ariana said, eyes bright and voice clear. "Not that there was any question, but I think her being the way she is now is the best thing that could ever have happened to her."
Dumbledore nodded. "Probably the happiest thing to happen in this building and its history."
Aberforth tapped his cup against the cups of his siblings. "I have a feeling it'll only get better."
"I'll drink to that," Ariana cheered.
"To the last drop," Dumbledore smiled. "And more."
"So I have a question," Neville said later in a moment of silence. "Who caters for the wedding of an important chef?"
"You know, that's a really good question," Parvati said.
"Master Harry is not allowed to cook at his own wedding!" Inky, Kreacher, Winky, and the other house elves immediately shouted. The air filled with laughter at the slightly crestfallen look on Harry's face but he had to join in on the merriment as the laughter continued on, making Hedwig's Hearth sing well into the night.
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61394 - Here you go. Guess you didn't need divination at all.
DOOOOOOM Lord of Waffles - No, never worked formally in one but my mother owned a sandwich shop that I worked at for ages and I cook a lot myself, so you learn to try and salvage mistakes if possible.
odonnellzoo99 - Even perfect nights can have mistakes to them and it's how one recovers from a mistake is how one shows how hard things go and how well they work to surmount said instances. Hope you like today's sweetness.
TheSphynx - She's the best food deliverer ever.
Hands Off MY Wolfie - No, we all know Hedwig only does what she wants to haha. I imagine the deliveries around Hogsmeade barely takes her any time at all comparatively. I thought it would be fun to see some people we haven't in a while. Thanks for reading.
alix33 - Harry knows what's important, his people and his place.
poka - I was going to call them the Crew again, but that seemed like such a Gringotts Crew thing and was happy to find that a kitchen staff is also known as a brigade and that fits them very well. I feel like she would provide shows without trying such as chasing people around and chastising people.
Wentley - I prefer soft endings when possible. Especially for a story like this.
DarkRavie - Thank you.