I do not own Harry Potter, the Wizarding World, or any canon characters.
Howdy y'all, hope all are well. Just to remind you that I will be posting every day until Friday, and then won't be updating until late next week. Have a nice day!
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Side Dishes
15th Course – Cowboy Cookin'
Takes place after the Hearth had been open for some time and before Harry and Lavender get married, between courses 173 and 174of Taste.
"Chef, international Floo call for you!"
"Thank you Chloe!" Harry walked to the office at the Hearth and smiled at the person waiting in the Floo's flames. "Chef Tony, good to see you!"
"Good to see you!" Anthony smiled back. "How's it going?"
"Going well," Harry said, sitting down and facing the flames. "We're hitting our stride. How's La Brassiere and everyone there?"
"Glad to hear it! And we're doing great too. Lezzie, Andres, and Callie say hi. Adam grunts." They laughed together.
"What can I do for you?" Harry asked.
"So I have a bit of a scheduling problem," Anthony said. "There's a thing I do sometimes but half the crew is out due to random illness and pre-approved vacations and all that. So I can't leave the restaurant for this other thing. It is about a week's worth of time and as much as I like doing it, I can't this year."
"That's rough, sorry to hear," Harry said sympathetically.
"It happens," Anthony sighed. "But anyways, I said I tried to find a replacement and I figured you might want to, if you can take the time off for it. It's different, and weird, but it'd be a good experience for you and I think you'd like it."
"What is it?" Harry asked, intrigued.
"Have you heard of a cattle drive?" Anthony asked.
"Not really," Harry said, sounding even more intrigued.
"It's an old tradition. Back in the 1800's, cowboys would take big herds of cattle from one state to another to sell them. This was before the railroad became the common way to transport them, but even after that, it was still common. It could take months at a time, depending on how many cattle and how far. Even magicals did it the long way back then because the old way of transport makes food kinda weird. Even today some things can't be transported so easily via apparition or Floo."
"Oh yeah, there's a goblin mushroom that changes with any kind of light that isn't a darklight source," Harry said. "Apparently Floo fire counts too and it gets nasty."
"As in tastes bad?"
"No, as in it attacks you if it hasn't been prepared already and if it wasn't pickled, it turns bad."
"That's wild," Anthony laughed. "Bring me some one day. I need to get Adam back for something."
"You didn't get it from me," Harry grinned.
"Nope! But yeah, so cattle drives were an important part of life for the Midwest and southwest. Nowadays, it's less common but there's still lots of ranches that need to move their herds from pasture to pasture or closer to processing areas and some places prefer to do it the old way."
"That's fascinating," Harry said.
"And now why I am and you might be involved. So as you gather, it's a long trip and you can't order for delivery or get supplies brought out every day. One of the most important jobs was a cook who made all the food for the trip and managed things with their chuck wagon which is the mobile kitchen though they cooked using campfires mostly and portable stoves. They managed materials and supplies and some even were the medic."
"That's so cool," Harry said, eyes sparkling.
"Right?! One of my buddies owns a ranch for magical cattle and other animals and does a small drive from one side of the state to the other. It's about five to seven days or so, depending on weather and temperament. I like to do the drive because I get to travel a bit to the wilder part of the country, hang out with my buddy and others I see then, challenge my cooking some, and wear a cool hat. Since I can't do it this time, I wanted someone I trust and someone who actually would want to do it. Not a lot of people want to."
Anthony winked. "So? How does it sound?"
"Like a lot of fun," Harry said eagerly. "And thanks for trusting me."
"Of course! Here're the dates and details. Let me know as soon as you can if you can do it because if you can't, I want to try and find someone else."
"I'll let you know by tomorrow. Wait, can I bring others with me?"
"Shouldn't be a problem, I'll check with them. But just let whoever wants to come with you that it's roughing it a bit. Magic helps with comfort and all but it's still a trip through the wilderness," Anthony warned.
"Got it. Thanks Chef!"
"No, thank you," Anthony beamed.
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"Hey, what's up?" Lavender and Parvati came into the kitchen of the Hearth, waving at the Brigade and trading greetings.
"Chef Anthony called and asked if I wanted to do an event for him," Harry said. "It'll be in America and it's cooking for a cattle drive. We'll be traveling about 200 miles or so over the course of four or five days. Traveling by foot and horse and I'll be cooking for everything doing camp-style and outdoor cooking."
"That sounds really interesting," Parvati said, "and not something I would enjoy at all."
"That sounds really interesting and I could enjoy it," Lavender said.
"It'll be these days and I'd like to do it if I could. We were going to close the Hearth for a few days at that time anyways but I'm also comfortable with Mirra and the Brigade running the Hearth without me for a couple of those days, so moving the days we close around, it'd work out."
Harry smiled. "I plan on asking Millie and Ron if they want to come and get some Hunting experience. And see who else might be interested."
"You haven't gone on a trip in a while," Parvati said, looking at Lavender. "I can handle the Thread easily. It's a slow time for us too anyways."
"It'd be a bit of a working vacation, but I think it would be fun," Harry said.
"It does, and yeah! Let's do it!" Lavender smiled.
"Brilliant!"
"Don't forget souvenirs for me for being awesome," Parvati said, smiling cheerily.
"Of course," Harry laughed.
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"It's so beautiful," Lavender said softly, looking around.
Harry and his friends arrived late in the day to the ranch in western Montana. They came to America the usual way, via international Portkey to MACUSA headquarters in New York City, and then a short Portkey took them out to Montanna. They would be leaving on the drive early the next day so they had come the day before to get settled.
They landed in a very broad open space. The sky hung over them, the sun setting slowly behind them, sending rays of gold and scarlet across the green land. Hills and mountains rolled around them and the air was fresh and sharp, the wind blowing all over them. Wildflowers bloomed all over and perfumed the air.
"Oh my, look at all of them!" Luna said excitedly, pointing at the very large herd of cattle in the near distance. The animals lowed and mooed, grunting and snorting as they settled themselves in the large pasture area. They looked like cattle, save bigger with impressive horns and with that certain air of magical presence.
"Mighty fine, aren't they?" A man walked to them, dressed in jeans and a tough shirt and a cowboy hat on top. Blue eyes looked out of a weathered face and the man offered his hand easily. "Be careful though. They're more magic than not and like most magical beasties, can be mean. I'm Robert Hughes, owner of Horn Wand Ranch. Pleased to meet you!"
"Pleased to meet you," Harry said, shaking Robert's hand. It was like shaking a hand carved out of solid wood and covered in leather. "My name is Harry Potter. This is Lavender Brown, and here is Luna Lovegood. That's Millicent Bulstrode and Ron Weasley. This is my owl, Hedwig. And finally, Perenelle Flamel."
Robert smiled easily at them, shaking their hands one by one. He gave Hedwig a curious look who barked at him politely, but then did a double-take at the last introduction. "Flamel? As in the Flamel?"
"One of them," Perenelle smiled, shaking the man's hand.
Robert gave her a look before shrugging and smiling once more. "Well it's nice that you're out here to help. Tony said you're a good cook and I hope you are because the wranglers and cowboys won't be shy if it isn't good and fillin'."
"I think I can do it," Harry said confidently.
"Good! And you two have Hunter trainin'?" he asked.
"Sure do," Ron said.
"Haven't done a drive before but we're seasoned on Hunts and the like," Millicent said.
"I can believe it," Robert said, looking at the way Millicent stood and carried herself with careful respect.
"And we're here to help Harry where we can and with other things," Lavender said with Luna nodding.
"Sounds good to me," Robert said. "Let's get you folk outfitted with a few essentials and things." He took them down the path towards a collection of buildings. There were pens and barns and stables all around, covering a very large area. People moved around, busy with chores and tasks though a few gave them curious glances. He led them to a guest house first and showed them their rooms.
"Chef told us to bring proper clothes and boots," Harry said. "Lavender helped us get them fitted and prepared."
"Looks good, thank goodness," Robert said, inspecting their gear. "We've gotten people who bring designer clothes that look the part but will fall apart at the first contact with rough country. And we have some spares for other little things. Who has experience riding horses?"
"Some," Millicent said with Luna nodding too. Perenelle nodded as well, looking very sure of herself.
"Well you'll get used to it, we got some good horses for greenhorns. Newbies," he clarified.
"Can I see the wagon?" Harry asked. "I'd like to familiarize myself with it and how we're transporting the supplies."
Robert smiled. "I like a man that knows his business." He led them to the stable beside the guest house. It was a large open front building and he showed them a large wagon. It had four wheels and a long base with high walls. Large hoops went over the top and the front of the wagon had a broad seat with a baseboard and long poles where the animals would haul and pull the wagon. At the back of the wagon, a long board came down to serve as a table and there were shelves and drawers and containers situated.
"This is the main chuck wagon we use," Robert said, patting it fondly. "Been in the family for generations. We also have a supply wagon to bring the food supplies and store the bigger pieces of extra equipment. Most people have their personal belongin's on pack saddles and the like. Wagons are also enchanted to hold more and be lighter and all the usuals."
"It's very nice," Harry admired. He moved all around it, seeing how the different parts moved and inspected the interior. "This will be great."
After showing them more things and answering some questions, Robert left them. He returned to the main house and accepted a drink. "Thanks Billie."
"How'd they look?" Billie asked.
"Seems alright," Robert said slowly. "Tony won't lie about work and he says the cook will be up to it, but we'll see. The two Hunters seem tough enough, 'specially the lady. The other two seem soft though and get this, the last one is apparently Perenelle Flamel."
Billie blinked. "As in one of the Flamels?"
"So she said, not too sure about it though," Robert said with some disbelief. "You better bring some extra medical stuff. We'll probably have a couple tenderfeet to take care of before the drive is over."
"Better having more hands even if they're not as experienced than not enough?" Billie mused.
"We'll see," Robert sighed.
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Robert looked blankly at the wagon. The hands and other cowboys were already getting the herd on the way and the other wagons were being loaded. He had come out to the guests expecting the worst and was pleasantly surprised to see that they were mostly packed and ready. The wagon had been cleaned to a shine and all of their things were packed within as well as all the food they could put into it. The supply wagon was filled with all the provisions as well. Lavender looked a little sleepy and Luna was curled up on the things in the chuck wagon but Ron, Milicent, Perenelle, and Harry looked awake and ready.
"Luna diagrammed how to pack things late last night," Harry explained. "She's had a lot of travel experience with her father, especially off the beaten path. And Grandmother has traveled a lot and done Hunts and trips like that too."
"Right," Robert said faintly. "Let's get you introduced to some horses." He and Billie and a couple others brought out the horses and after some basic training, they went on their way. The wagons were pulled by some of the bigger horses that could haul a lot and they made their way through the wilderness. The sun rose above them, brightening the sky and land around. The moving cattle moved at a slow but steady pace, munching on the grass and plants as they did. The hands and the other cowboys rode around them, keeping them together and preventing some from leaving the herd. A few dogs worked with the ranchers to keep the cattle together and moving.
"How we lookin'?" Robert asked.
"We're movin'," Jenny Binders said, the senior ranch-hand and de-facto second in command. "Pretty good actually. Making good time."
"Good to hear it," Robert said. "How're the two British Hunters?"
"Can't ride really," Jenny grinned. "But they're getting better at it though they're going to be saddle-sore." She and Robert laughed knowingly. "But they don't shy from the work and are eager, ask questions and don't take things for granted. So they're fine."
She gave Robert a look. "The older lady, the Flamel? She rides though. Halfway through the morning she got Peaches to listen to her as if she raised her and we know Peaches don't listen to just anyone."
"She's a bitch of a horse," Robert nodded.
"But yeah, she's riding well and even the dogs and the cattle seem to listen to her, which is a real surprise."
"Good Geronimo," Robert gasped, seeing Perenelle ride around the far edge of the herd. "Is that a fuckin' spear?!"
"Her boar spear," Jenny said admiringly. "She uses it like a guide stick. Taps a bull or cow and chivvies them along and none have tried to hit her for it. That's one scary witch, I believe that she's who she says she is."
"Huh," Robert grunted. He and Jenny looked up when they heard a keen. Hedwig came swooping down and she landed on the pommel of Jenny's saddle, the rounded horn on the front of the saddle. The owl bobbed her head at them and puffed her chest out. "What's that?" he asked, seeing long round objects wrapped in cloth sticking out of the pouch on her harness.
Jenny took two out and handed one to Robert when Hedwig looked at him directly, jerking her head. "Feels like a sandwich or something," she said. She unwrapped the object, revealing a tortilla wrapped around chicken and herbs.
"Who made this?" Robert asked, eyes wide and looking at his own rolled sandwich. He looked at the owl and stared blankly at the expression on her face. The owl's eyes were half-lidded and she looked at him with a very flat expression. "Wait, Harry?" He sputtered at her very sarcastic head bob. "But we're movin'! He managed to make this on the move?" He flushed when she looked at the sandwich in his hands and then looked back up at him with eyes that were wide open with faux shock and wonderment, beak parted.
Jenny snorted and laughed as Hedwig turned and mooned him before she flapped off and landed on the pommel of another cowboy's saddle and delivered a sandwich before moving on.
"Did I just get sassed by an owl?" Robert asked, voice thick with disbelief.
"Sure looked like it," Jenny snickered. She took a bite of the sandwich. "Mmm! This is good!"
Robert bit into his own and chewed appreciatively. "Well I'll be," he said, mouth full. He ate slowly, enjoying every bite before reining his horse around and rode to the back where the wagons were. He pulled alongside the chuckwagon. He nodded at Lavender and Luna who were sitting on the seat and driving the team that pulled the wagon before calling out. "Did you make this just now?"
"Mostly," Harry said, leaning forward through the front opening of the covered part of the wagon. "Cooked the chicken last night and kept it cold for now. Mixed the tortillas while we moved and I have a special griddle here in the back that gets hot with a charm. Just enough to cook the tortillas and I shredded the chicken and wrapped them around some things and sent them out with Hedwig. I know we won't stop until later but figured some lunch wouldn't go amiss."
"It wasn't a miss at all, damn tasty, thank you," Robert said. "We mostly eat trail food or dried things while on the move for the energy." He took a small bag that Harry handed him.
"Granola, nuts, with a little dried fruit and crystallized honey," Harry said.
"Thanks again," Robert said appreciatively. "Oh question, does your owl…make fun of people?"
"Only if you say or do something she would find worthy of making fun of someone over," Harry said slightly evasively. "Or if she's bored," he added apologetically.
"She has very expressive eyes and facial features," Luna smiled.
"She sure does," Robert muttered.
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It was getting late in the day and they were starting to make camp. The ranch hands and cowboys got the herd settled in their places while others started pitching tents after taking care of their horses. While wands and magic made it easier, it was still after a long day of hard work and so they moved a bit slower than they did.
"Have you seen the dogs?" Billie asked as she walked up to Robert. "I can't find them."
"They shouldn't have wandered off," Robert said, clapping his hands together to shake off the dirt. He whistled loudly. "Major! Lance! Jethro! Come on out now!"
"They're over by the chuckwagon," Jenny said, walking up to them.
"Really? They've never done that before," Billie said, frowning. She, Jenny, and Robert walked that way and stopped in surprise. The two border collies and the Australian cattle dog were looking up at Harry, tongues lolling out and barking excitedly as he handed them some bones he took off the fire and cooled with a charm. Not only that, but the big horses they used to pull the wagons were close too, chewing contentedly and looking over with interest as Harry tended to a large grill over smoldering coals.
"They're usually not that friendly with strangers," Billie gasped.
"Animals love Harry," Lavender smiled as she put down a crate, taking it out of the wagon.
"They're good dogs," Harry smiled, sputtering when one of them licked his face happily.
"Where'd Tony find you?" Robert asked.
"France," Harry smiled. "Sorry, old joke but true. I met Chef during the Rising Stars Competition in France. I'm from Britain. We all are, except for Grandmother."
"I spend more time there now as it is to tell the truth," Perenelle said, putting her spear on a rack alongside the chuckwagon.
"I wonder why," Harry smiled.
"It is a mystery," she smiled back.
"Dinner will be ready soon," Harry said to the three ranchers who continued to stare. "I've got American biscuits going and a big beef stew bubbling. I'm making a quick pickle; sour flavors are good for the heat and to whet the appetite. There are more tortillas to dip into the stew too. I'm also going to grill some corn and make a salsa with it. And I'm going to bake some fruit for after."
"Sounds great!" Jenny said excitedly.
When it was ready, the cowboys and ranchers fell on the food hungrily, eating without stinting. They came back for seconds and thirds, thanking Harry profusely for the good food. They looked on with wonder as not only the dogs were served food, but Hedwig outeating them too. Harry even made big portions of carrot and barley mash for the horses and they ate it all with their hay and oats.
"Andres told me horses like that sort of thing," Harry said, patting the head of one of the more affectionate ones that was nuzzling Harry. "Her family owns horses down in Mexico."
"It's true," Robert said with approval. "How're you lot finding the drive?"
"It's good," Ron said. "When do I stop walking funny though?"
The others laughed with good-natured amusement. "When you stop being sore," Billie smiled. "We got some ointment for that though, should help."
"Thank goodness," Millicent groaned. "I see the appeal but riding for so long really hurts. And thank Merlin Pansy isn't here to hear me say that."
"She'd be mortified," Lavender laughed.
"It's so beautiful," Luna smiled, looking around at the dark wilderness. "It's very inspiring."
"The stars are gorgeous," Lavender said, looking up. "There's so many. It's different from looking up back home somehow."
Robert looked at them fondly. "You're some good folk."
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Robert crawled out of his tent, yawning and stretching. He took a deep breath and paused, turning to look at the tent by the chuckwagon. It was still night time, early morning technically, the sun having refused to rise yet. But the stove was already lit and the coals red and warm and the air was perfumed with rich deep savory scents.
"Morning," Harry said with remarkable cheeriness. "Coffee's there, so is some tea if you like it. How do you like your eggs?"
"Scrambled is fine," Robert said, looking at the pans on the stove and grill. Sausages were crackling over the coals, drops of fat falling and splattering and filling the air with their meaty fragrance. Biscuits were already done and steaming in the cool air and a thick gravy bubbled on the fire. A pot of beans also simmered and there was a mound of mushrooms on another pan, flecked with bits of green herb. Another pan held chopped potatoes and onions, golden brown and rich with butter. "You already got this done?"
"Chef said everyone eats a lot on a drive," Harry said. "I believe it with all the hard work you do! So wanted to make sure I do my part and have enough ready."
Robert took a mound of scrambled eggs from Harry, noticing that the three dogs were there, sleeping beside Harry. He took a bite of the creamy eggs, savory with salt and pepper.
"How is it?" Harry asked.
"Mighty fine," Robert smiled, devouring the food.
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"Everythin' okay?!" Robert asked, riding up the group of people.
"Yeah, we're good," Jenny said, wiping her brow with relief. "One of the little ones strayed and was jumped by a mountain lion." She pointed at Ron, Millicent, and Perenelle. "But they were there. Ron stopped it with a spell and Millicent hit with another, sending it skidding. Perenelle though, she just stabbed it through the heart with her spear!"
"I do hope that it is not illegal," Perenelle said as she yanked the spear out of the dead predator.
"You're not supposed to hunt them for sport, but it's fine for self-defense," Robert said as he looked down at the very large lion.
"Am I allowed to keep the pelt?" Perenelle asked. "Lovely," she smiled at their nods. "I do feel bad killing it just because it wanted to eat, but it did try and inflict harm on us after we denied it."
"Yeah, they're a problem out here, will attack people too if they can," Robert said.
"Such is the nature of the world, eat or be eaten," Perenelle said prosaically. She flicked her wand and the corpse floated up beside her. "I will take it to the back wagon and bleed it there and let it dry so it does not bother anyone else."
"Not much bothers her, does it?" Billie asked admiringly as she left.
"Well, she is Perenelle Flamel," Ron said.
"Like, the actual Flamel?" Jenny asked.
Millicent nodded. "Be glad Nicolas isn't here. He's even more impressive and a lot more annoying."
"And Harry's their grandson?" Billie asked with wide eyes.
"Not by blood but yeah," Millicent said. "They love him. And he loves them."
"Where did Tony find him?" Robert said, shaking his head.
"I don't know, but I'm glad," Jenny said frankly. "They work hard, don't complain. Don't get in the way. Lavender even repairs clothes and things on the fly and does a damn good job of it. And I can't remember the last time we ate this well. Don't get me wrong, Tony's good too, but Harry's a real good cook. Like real good."
"He is," Robert agreed.
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"Uh, did the horses get into some flowers or something?" Robert asked. He leaned in and peered closely. "Wait, did someone paint flowers onto them?!"
"Luna did," Billie said, shaking her head and smiling. "She did it for Brickhouse, saying the horse is happier for it and I'll admit, she does look pretty happy. Then the other horses started wandering over to her and she's been painting them up. She told me it's safe for horses too, was sure of it."
Robert watched with an open mouth as Luna delicately painted a dahlia flower on the face of a very large black horse that stood there with incredible calm, forgoing even chewing to not ruin her concentration or work.
"It's weird seeing Reaper stand still for someone else," Billie said admiringly.
"Yeah it is," Robert said.
"Don't dislike the painting though," Billie said. "I looked at her book and she sells work too. I might've already ordered something for home."
"Strange folk," Robert said. "Don't dislike it either though."
"I'm glad they're here," Billie said bluntly. "They're all helpful. Lavender there fixed up Tommy's shirt for him when the bull tore it. Thought she'd charm it up but no, she brought a whole sewing station with her and stitched back up, better than new. They've been nice and not condescending and I can't remember the last time I ate this well on a drive, Tony being here included and I'd say that to his face."
"Me too," Robert chuckled.
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"Thanks again for having us," Harry said, shaking Robert's hand.
"Thanks for comin'," Robert said sincerely. The rest of the drive had gone without a single problem and they delivered the herd without delay or trouble. A Portkey took them back to Horn Wand Ranch and there was a party to celebrate the successful drive. The ranchers and hands gorged on the good food Harry made and now Harry and his friends and family were about to leave for New York and back home to Britain.
"It was a lot of fun," Harry smiled.
"Hope you all can come out again," Billie said, hugging Lavender. "You all fit right in."
"Thanks for the hats," Lavender smiled, adjusting hers with a big smile. "I love it!"
"You earned them," Robert smiled. He even shared a nod with Hedwig who wore her own that was shrunken down to fit her. "Seriously, you all were some of the best help we've ever had. Anytime you want to join us again, you're welcome to."
"We'll make it work, and let us know if you come to our part of the world," Harry smiled. He and his friends waved merrily before they were surrounded by a bright light and they vanished, whisked away by Portkey.
"Not too bad for greenhorns," Jenny sighed gustily.
"Nope," Robert agreed. "Mighty fine in fact."
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Wentley - I went as an adult a few years ago and had so much lovely food. I was lucky to eat at a restaurant I really wanted to before they closed it a few years later.
TheSphynx - Exactly.
Hands Off MY Wolfie - Hedwig doesn't beg. She politely and insistently requests. Thanks for reading.
Arnie1701 - Hope you got some.
poka - Very busy bars aren't my scene either. I'd love to just sit and eat at a nice little taco stand into the night though. Thank you.
odonnellzoo99 - Strangely enough, one of the best Mexican meals I've ever had was in a little hole in the wall place in Hawaii. It was incredible. Where I grew up, Mexican places were okay but Cuban places were so good.
Shroudy9 - Might be nice to visit again. I need to look for a place around me.
alix33 - Tortillas are good. They're flat and have a smooth texture. I think you have chapati or roti which is kinda similar, but not as smooth.
Cedarwings - Glad you found it again.
DOOOOOOM Lord of Waffles - Glad you enjoyed. Thank you.