I do not own Harry Potter, the Wizarding World, or any canon characters.
Hello everyone, hope all are doing well.
I normally would have posted Stone's Heart today, but decided to do a double update of Side Dishes because today is Lunar New Year. I wish a happy, safe, and prosperous year for everyone who observes and for those that don't. One of the major themes for Lunar New Year is that people travel to be with family and friends and enjoy a good meal together, which fits into the themes of Side Dishes as well.
A little behind the scenes fun actually. I wrote this to originally be chapter 26, but then I had the idea for Feathered Noir and didn't want to wait weeks and weeks to post that, so I swapped the chapters. It then coincided that today is Lunar New Year, and the theme of the chapter fits so well with it. So happy accident really.
I will still post Stone's Heart this coming Friday. I know it's in a specific place right now in the story and I won't wait a whole week before posting it.
My best wishes to you. I hope all of you can enjoy some time with friends and family and enjoy a tasty meal. Thank you for being a part of my fanfiction family.
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Side Dishes
48th Course – Tangible Growth
Takes place a few weeks after the 2nd course of Side Dishes, after the Market Central Incident.
"Hello Harry dear!" Her voice was warm and her expression one of true delight. She hugged him happily and without reservation.
"Hi Miss Edwina!" Harry hugged her back and then hugged a beaming Greta and shook Christos' hand. "So good to see all of you!"
"Always good to see you too," Edwina smiled. She looked at the other two with them and she rolled her eyes ever so slightly at their open shock. "Harry, allow me to introduce Liang and Dietrick. They manage my interests on the west coast of the country and are a part of my line."
"Nice to meet you," Harry said enthusiastically, offering his hand. "Any friends and associates of Miss Edwina are friends of mine."
Liang looked at his hand for a moment before slowly shaking it. "A pleasure to meet you," she said slowly and Dietrick shook Harry's hand without saying anything.
"I hope you're hungry," Harry said, not bothered by the reluctance or reticence in the least.
"What a silly question," Edwina smiled. "Of course we are. And I hear you have made a convert out of Christos."
"Yes, go on," Christos said, giving Greta an irritated look while she smiled smugly. "Say it and get it over with." He glowered as she continued to smile, not giving him the satisfaction.
"We will not bother with a menu this day," Edwina said, ignoring them. "The best the restaurant has to offer and with your recommendation. One of each for all of us and whatever else you send. I am famished and have been waiting."
"You got it," Harry smiled. "Oh and we have a few bottles of Sanguinous for you. I told Chef what you like and he managed to get a few bottles for you. He even found one aged 15 years and a blend of stormbull and thunderbird."
"Ah! You take such good care of us," Edwina said with a broad smile. "I will buy all of them from him and tell him I will pay 25% over cost for his thoughtfulness." She sighed happily as Harry left the table to walk back into the kitchen. She turned to face the others and her smile was instantly replaced by a cool veneer. "What?"
"I cannot remember the last time I saw you smile like that when it did not involve draining someone of their lifeblood, literally or metaphorically," Liang said with a raised eyebrow and Dietrick nodded silently beside her.
"I adore Harry," Edwina said without reservation. "He is a lovely young man, very kind and warm, and a wonderful chef." Her eyes flashed red and a ripple seemed to emanate from her. "Test that at your own risk."
Liang and Dietrick paled even more and nodded hurriedly.
"He is also a friend of Eld Tepes," Greta said softly, smiling at Edwina's annoyed huff.
"Noted," Liang said, looking very serious. She looked at Christos. "Do the local vampyr know not to bother him then?"
"It has been made aware," Christos said in his deep voice. "And I have my own protections on Harry."
"Speaking of, what will be happening to that bastard that bothered him and Hedwig?" Edwina asked.
"He has been censured," Christos said grimly. "The Director of the Department of Magical Creatures took our complaints seriously and he cannot defend himself in any way, shape, or form. I believe he would have been fired if we pressed for it. Instead, he is on probation and has written a letter of formal contrition."
"He got off lightly," Edwina snorted. "But Harry's a tender heart and no need to go to the extreme yet."
"It seems Hedwig has the more vindictive nature of the two," Christos chuckled.
Edwina giggled. "She does and I love her for it. I truly believe she beat the daylights out of that bastard. Wish I saw it."
"I will give you a copy of the memory from Riggs," Christos said and Edwina and Greta nodded eagerly. "It is very amusing to watch."
"Hedwig?" Liang asked.
"His snowy owl and also bother her at your own risk," Edwina said seriously. "She fences and is good at it. She also has a bloodthirsty nature and will not hold back, especially when it concerns Harry."
It was a busy night at La Brasserie Americaine. The tables were full and the reservations at the maximum. A good portion of the guests were regulars with others having come knowing the restaurant's reputation. A lot of them looked at the table of vampires with wonder and a little trepidation. Surreptitious comments by Leslie and the floor staff assuaged the worst of it and others simply marveled at the sight of them talking and acting just like the rest of them, as dinner guests.
The appetizers came out and Liang and Dietrick looked on with astonishment as Edwina, Greta, and Christos ate without stinting, joining in after a moment of hesitation. A large Provencal onion tart, puff pastry liberally covered with olives, anchovies, and caramelized and seasoned onions, was brought out along side a jar of rich chicken liver mousse and a tart raspberry jelly. Each of them was given a plate of delicately prepared steak tartare served with triangles of toast. Greta also received a bowl of creamy chicken soup and Christos had a plate of frites with Edwina also getting a portion of both as well.
"This is incredible," Liang gasped as she ate. "I still eat often enough but this tastes incredibly good and is satisfying." She frowned at the tartare and looked around at the other tables. "Did they prepare this for us because we are what we are?"
"Perhaps, Harry is kind like that," Edwina said as she chewed blissfully. "He made a lovely dinuguan for me the first time we met and has provided other lovely little bites or at least had some Sanguinous near." She exclaimed with delight as the main courses were brought out. Two large blood sausages graced the plate with one being sliced on a bias already. It sat on roasted and creamed onions and apples and was served with whipped potatoes, all of drizzled with a light cream sauce. Despite already eating much, she dug in hungrily, enjoying the rich deep flavor of the sausages and the sweet onions and apples.
"Hello there." Anthony appeared at the table and if he was nervous, he did not show it. "Just wanted to check up on you all and see how you were doing."
"Wonderfully well, thank you," Edwina said. She offered her hand and shook his with professional grace. "Chef Banks, I presume?"
"That's me," Anthony grinned, shaking her hand without any reluctance. "Good to see you again Mr. Christos. Glad you're becoming a regular."
"As am I," Christos said, nodding.
"Did you make this for us?" Edwina asked, gesturing to the plate.
"Yes and no," Anthony said. "Harry suggested something with blood sausage and then I remembered a dish that used boudin noir and it actually fit the restaurant. The apples and onions add a nice sweet touch to it and it's sorta rustic and so I thought it'd be a good special. And it is! It's been a hit and it might stay on the menu for a while."
"It's delicious," Edwina said with a broad smile. "And thank you for procuring the wine."
"You're welcome! I actually discovered that it's really good for the duck sauce that uses blood anyways so happy coincidence there."
She tilted her head slightly and looked at him directly. "And Harry is doing well here?"
Anthony smiled sincerely. "Better than that. Best intern I've had in a really long time. I don't even really think of him as one anymore, he's a part of my staff. He's soaked up skills and knowledge like a sponge and I've learned a lot from him too."
"I am glad to hear it," Edwina said with a smug pride. "Not that I thought he would be doing anything else."
"He's a great cook and a great person," Anthony agreed. "I better head back but just wanted to see how you were doing and any other requests."
"Another round of entrees," Edwina said. "Your choice. I am already well sated and everything coming will be the gravy on top as you might say."
"You got it, but save some room for dessert," Anthony joked and walked away as Edwina laughed. He walked into the kitchen and hidden by the door, he shivered.
"Is everything okay?" Leslie asked worriedly.
"Oh yeah, no, they're happy. But fuck me is it intimidating as hell to be near them. She's got pressure raining off her and she looks at you like Carlos looks at the meat he's breaking down. Harry, how can you stand it?!"
Harry frowned, looking up from the station. "Miss Edwina's really nice."
"Not saying she isn't, but her presence is almost suffocating with the magic she exudes," Anthony said seriously. "That and who she is."
"Oh, well, I guess I'm used to it," Harry said with a light shrug.
"How can you be used to that?!" Callie asked, aghast. "I still can't even look at Mr. Christos without shivering."
"I'm just used to it. Mr. Drake, my grandparents, and even the Headmaster make the air feel like that sometimes. But it never bothered me," Harry said simply. He smiled. "Andres intimidates me more than they do but I know she isn't going to do anything bad. She's just naturally intimidating."
"I love you," Andres smiled, hugging him as she walked past.
"You know what, I buy that," Anthony snorted. "Right, let's keep it up folks!"
Service continued with the kitchen crew cooking solidly and well. Food went out at a brisk even pace and the dining room was full of hungry and happy customers for the remainder of the time. Towards the end, Anthony sent Harry out with the desserts and let him spend some time with Edwina and her party. A few moments later Leslie looked into the kitchen. "Chef, it is Michelle."
"Send her in," Anthony said. He smiled as a woman walked into the kitchen. "Hey Chelle!"
"Hey Tony!" She hugged him tightly.
"How was dinner?"
"Good as always. The company could use some work," she said.
"Ha ha," Cal said, following after her. "This is the thanks I get for taking you out to dinner."
"After you almost got our anniversary dinner canceled?" she asked, eyebrow raised.
"Okay first of all, I was just doing my job! Second of all, I didn't know he rolled like that!" Cal looked at Anthony. "How did you get Christos as a guest here?!"
"Harry," Anthony grinned. "And did you see the others with him? That's Edwina Bathory."
"The Edwina Bathory?" Cal gasped.
"Yup," Anthony said, popping the P. "Told you."
"You're apologizing to Harry," Michelle said, poking her husband irritably. "And to his owl."
"I already did," Cal sighed. "But I'll do it again. As many times as needed." He smiled and winced when Harry walked into the kitchen and Harry stiffened slightly, recognizing him. "Hello Mister Potter." He ignored Leslie's amused snicker when she walked past. "I hope you're doing well and I'd like to apologize again for the unfortunate misunderstanding a few weeks ago."
"Thank you," Harry said politely. "I am doing well, thank you for asking. How was your dinner?"
"Really good," Michelle said, smiling at him. "I'm Michelle, this one's wife, and I appreciate you being so understanding."
Harry shook her hand. "Chef says you're good people so I believe that." He handed Anthony a small leather bag. "From Miss Edwina with her compliments."
Anthony opened it and looked inside, eyes widening. "Uh, pretty sure that's more than the bill by a fair bit."
"Oh she paid that separately," Harry said. "She said that's for you and the staff. She said this was one of the finest restaurant experiences she's had in a century and will be coming back again, even when I'm not here anymore."
"Well I'm happy to be of service," Anthony said. He gave the bag to Leslie who gasped when she looked inside it. "Everyone get's a share," Anthony said and the watching staff cheered. He looked back at Harry. "You're heading back home tomorrow for your vacation, right?"
"Yes Chef, though if you need me-"
"Nope, wasn't asking 'cause of that. You go home and enjoy yourself for a few days. It's been a while and I know we're the first place you've been for a while."
Harry grinned. "Thanks Chef! And I'll bring back souvenirs and things."
"Just relax," Anthony said, amused. "'Cause I'm going to work you harder when you get back. You haven't seen anything yet."
"Can't wait!"
"He sounds like he means it," Cal said when Harry left to finish his work.
"Because he does," Anthony said fondly.
-0-
Harry landed with a thump and a light stumble. The familiar whirl of magic had taken him across the Atlantic Ocean once more and he was back in Britain. This time however, the trip had felt a little more stable than the one he took across.
He shook the aftereffects of the Portkey away and looked down, deeply amused seeing Hedwig mimicking him, shaking her head from side to side in her cage. "You okay?" he asked.
She looked up at him with one open eye and the other narrowed. She hooted with disgust, a now familiar sound she made after magical travel via Portkey or apparition.
"Extra cuddles and treats later," Harry said and smiled when Hedwig brightened and hooted, mollified. He looked around the Portkey anchor site, noticing how darker and more enclosed the area was compared to the main Portkey travel sites were. "Huh, it's less bright and open here."
"Well it is the Auror Portkey hub and they tend to be more official and secure." Amelia looked at Harry with fond amusement. "It's usually for prisoner and criminal transport and for high security travel for sensitive things and people."
"Makes sense," Harry smiled. He got off the platform and eagerly returned Amelia's hug. "Good to see you!"
"Good to see you too! Welcome home," she said warmly.
"Glad to be back." Harry whooped as he was neatly tackled, nearly falling over but managing to stay upright, smiling and coughing as Dora squeezed him hard. "Hi Dora!" he wheezed.
"Welcome home baby brother!" Dora kissed him on the cheek, her hair turning black and messy. She finally let him go. "How in the world did you get an Auror Portkey and come from the MACUSA Auror Department?"
"Mr. Christos offered it to me last night. Said I could skip the lines at the main travel hub and have a faster trip," Harry explained.
"Christos?!" Dora's eyes widened and her hair shortened into a very severe cut and turned midnight black, her complexion paling. "Christos the Grave Keeper?!"
"He's one of the most decorated law enforcement officers in the whole world," Amelia said, also awed. "Personally put down some of the biggest criminals and dark wizards in the last century."
"They say he plants their remains in a personal graveyard," Dora added.
"He says that's more of an exaggeration," Harry said. "He does have a garden that he likes to maintain as a hobby but he says aside from one enemy vampire that he swore to turn into fertilizer when he finished him, there's nothing in his garden that shouldn't be there."
Amelia and Dora shared a look and then looked back at Harry. "You know, I really shouldn't be surprised that you're friends with one of the higher ups in the Department of Magical Law Enforcement for the MACUSA," Amelia said, smiling and shaking her head.
"I want to hear how," Dora said, "later when you feed me."
"I have lots of stories to tell," Harry smiled. "Like how Hedwig humbled this really stupid MACUSA official and beat the shite out of him for being a prat."
Dora smiled as Hedwig fluffed up and looked very proud. "Yeah that doesn't surprise me at all."
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Aberforth hummed softly to himself as he continued to clean the glasses behind the bar. He put the latest one down beside the others, finishing the row. Afternoon sunlight streamed into the bar through the window and a ray hit the row of glasses, diffracting and filling the area with sparkles of multihued light. He put the cloth he was using in a bucket of water and blindly groped for a clean dry one. "Oh, thanks Hedwig," he said absent-mindedly, taking the cloth from the owl. "Wait, Hedwig?" He smiled at the snowy owl who looked up at him, barking pleasantly at him. "What're you doing here?"
"She flew on ahead. Was tired of magical travel for the day and I don't blame her."
Harry's voice made Aberforth smile and he turned to face him as he walked in. "Hey, good to see you Kid." He clapped Harry on the shoulder and gave him a one-armed hug. "Back visiting?"
"For a few days," Harry smiled, hugging him back.
"And you came to work? Don't you get enough of that?" Aberforth snorted.
"Well, yeah," Harry started defensively, "but here I'll be cooking Hog's Head food for friends and other people I know personally and like. It's different."
"I'll give you that." Aberforth sighed with annoyance that was half sincere. "We're going to be busy tonight, aren't we?"
"People might be coming," Harry smiled.
"Not enough that you work more on your vacation, you make me work more," Aberforth sighed.
"I'm sorry."
"No you're not."
"Just a little." Harry smiled at Aberforth's deep snort. He missed hearing it and being at the Hog's Head. It was good to be home.
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It was as Aberforth feared. The Hog's Head was packed that night with people coming to see Harry and spend time with him. All of his friends were there, having come as soon as they could, along with others he was close to and called family. Dumbledore came down with others from Hogwarts and others from Gringotts came too. The air was full of laughter and chatter and once more Harry was in his element only now, he had been reunited with those he cared about and loved.
"What's it like in America and New York?" Ron asked eagerly.
"It's amazing," Harry said, handing Ron a full plate of chips. "New York is really crowded in a lot of places. I took the subway once to see what it was like and it's a lot. So many people! Like King's Cross but everywhere. The magical streets are crowded too. Market Central is incredible. It's like Diagon only way more open."
"How is it working for a professional restaurant?" Sue asked.
"It's so intense! I really like it though. I've only been there for three weeks now and I've learned a lot about management, inventory, how to do prep and all that. I've also tried so many other different kinds of food and it's been really incredible. Exhausting too. A lot of times I get home late at night and go to sleep and then get back to the restaurant in the later morning to start over."
"These are amazing," Parvati said, fanning her mouth. "I mean, your chips were fine before but these are really good!"
"The Brasserie chips are incredible! Hector is the cook there that only makes chips or frites there. From beginning to end, he does it all and he's amazing at it. When he's off, it takes two people to do his job. He taught me how to make really good ones."
"The head chef is not afraid of you stealing his tricks?" Daphne asked.
"He said if I was staying in the city he might," Harry said and the others laughed. "But that's also the point of doing a stagiaire. I'm supposed to learn from my betters and incorporate their knowledge and expertise and make my own cooking better from them."
"He's benefitting from you too," Diglin said with a smile. "I heard from Gates that Etcher and he are going to start talking about getting some goblin ingredients and that you've taught them how to make chowder and our usual pickles."
"Yes Chef," Harry smiled. "The chowder is a special soup now, crab not crake. And the pickles have become a popular side." He leaned down slightly to pick up Emmie who gleefully snuggled into his side.
"Have you had more customers from Gringotts?" Dee asked.
"Actually yes. Every other night or so there's been a few. Head Etcher has come back too."
"He's a good Head," Doran said.
"Must be for Gates to respect him a little," Harry said and he and the others laughed together. "I'm hoping to get to visit the Caverns soon, that the goblin borough beneath the city."
"Hmm, let me do some research for you before you go," Doran frowned thoughtfully. "Just to give you a list of clans to avoid if you are in their proximity. Due to personal problems with Gringotts Britain."
"And StoneHeart," Dee added. "As well as who can be trusted and to do business with."
"Fair enough," Harry smiled.
-0-
"I love them!" Lavender kissed Harry several times on the lips and the cheeks before hugging the books tightly.
Harry grinned goofily back. "I'm glad! I found a really nice store in Market Central and the woman who owns it recommended those fashion books to get for you. Those are the latest styles in America right now and the book of charms is a good one. I'll take you when you come visit."
"Can't wait! I'm coming over first and then Daddy and Mum and Clover and Marigold will be coming a day or two later and then we'll all head back together. Daddy and Mum were able to make time for a family vacation and it'll work great because the twins can come too before heading back to Hogwarts."
"Oh and hey." Harry turned a little shy. "So it'll be too warm when you come over, not quite winter much less fall, but I found out that where Rockefeller Center is, there is a replica of it where they keep an ice rink year round for ice skating in Magical New York. I remember you saying you always wanted to ice skate there from that movie you watched. Would you want to-"
Lavender kissed him for a long time, finally breaking the kiss and leaving him breathless and windswept. "That was a yes by the way," she said, eyes shining.
"Brilliant," Harry said, smiling even wider.
-0-
"Hey welcome back." Anthony smiled as he walked into the kitchen and saw Harry there. "How was your vacation?"
"Really good, thank you Chef!" Harry said, smiling. "This is for you."
"What's this?" Anthony took the metal cup from Harry and admired it.
"Goblin steel tankard," Harry said. "Temperature stable, holds charms really well. Nearly untippable. Super durable."
"Aw thanks Harry. You didn't need to get me anything, I really appreciate it though! Lezz keeps saying I need to drink more while working so this will fit the bill nicely."
"That's why I got it," Harry said. "I asked Dee to make it for me before heading back and she had it done before I got home."
"Well thanks again. I really like it," Anthony smiled.
"Ask him what he got Andres," Callie said with a big smile.
"Oh no, Andres, what did you get?" Anthony asked with an appropriately worried expression.
"Harry got me a very beautiful bracelet," Andres said, holding up her right arm and showing off a very nice looking silver threaded bracelet made of interlocking rings and set with turquoise stones.
"Well that's nice," Anthony said. "I don't see what the problem is-wait." He frowned, looking at it closer. "That's not just a bracelet, is it?" He sighed when Andres flexed her wrist and it transformed into a knife with a long edge, fitting perfectly in her hand.
"Why did you get her a weapon?" Adam asked, frowning at Harry.
"It's for self-defense," Harry said.
"Andres is the only person that doesn't need a weapon for self-defense," Hanks said, giving her a wide-berth. "Seriously, I've seen her shank someone with a broken bone before. Without magic even."
"And now I don't have to use just anything," Andres said, flexing her hand again and admiring the bracelet that wrapped snuggly around her wrist. "Harry's the best bud."
Anthony shook his head. "Can you believe it?" he asked when Leslie walked up to him and handed him a clipboard.
"Harry is kind and generous, so yes," Leslie said simply.
"He got you one too, didn't he," Anthony asked flatly, looking at Leslie's wrist and sighing.
"At least someone cares for my safety," Leslie sniffed, admiring the silver bracelet that was threaded with jet stones.
"You can take care of yourself normally!" Anthony shouted as Leslie walked out of the kitchen, throwing a hand gesture behind her as she walked away, the light catching on her new bracelet. He sighed loudly and looked at Harry. "If I get stabbed by one or both of them, I'm blaming you."
"Yes Chef," Harry smiled.
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mike3308 - Thank you.
odonnellzoo99 - Hedwig is very self aware, she just chooses to be self unaware when it suits her. I still can't believe how funny the hooters joke was given how juvenile it was.
TheSphynx - I knew writing the original that it would be a Hedwig Edit chapter eventually. It was just waiting for it.
DOOOOOOM Lord of Waffles - Her shouting that really amused me. She was an owl on a mission and everything else was collateral.
poka - It was one of my favorites too. I knew from inception that there would be a Hedwig helping chapter and it just fit perfectly.
Lucy Elizabeth Dawson - Right? It adds so much to an already rich chapter.
HoneyBear84 - Thank you.
Hands Off MY Wolfie - I don't think they were holding back the best per se, just that Hedwig has very high standards for Harry. Thanks for reading.
alix33 - Harry probably knows honestly and you are right about Hedwig's dancing.
l4w - She's very talented and the best.