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

Hello everyone, hope all are well.

I unfortunately found out that someone is reposting A Taste of Magic under a different name on webnovel. They changed the name of the fic and the chapters but everything is my work. Not only that, they are monetizing it through . I have tried reporting it to both platforms. I want everyone to know that I only post here, on Archive of our Own, and write random blurbs and things on Reddit. I do not use webnovel nor do I use , and I would not charge people to read my fanfic work. Ever. If you see it elsewhere, it is not me.

To the person that is taking my work and misrepresenting me, I hope you one day are able to craft something of your own and you are able to take pride in it.

Sorry for the dour note, I wanted to let you all know that my works will only ever be put here or AO3 or as a mention on Reddit. I'm grateful for all of your time and attention. My best to all of you.

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Side Dishes

30th Course – Filius' Piety

Initially starts right after the 34th Course of Taste, where Harry made dinuguan for the first time for Drake and Flitwick got an idea during Harry's third year.

Flitwick waved to the last of the students leaving the classroom. Normally he would hang about the Charms classroom for a bit, waiting in case students had questions or needed more help. Sometimes, students from other years and times would wait for the last class to finish and come there instead of going to his office. This time however, he did not waste any time waiting. He left his classroom and went to the Headmaster's office.

"Password?" the gargoyle protecting the office asked.

"Blueberry scones," Flitwick said confidently. He smiled as the gargoyle nodded and moved to the side, revealing the steps leading up to the office. As he reached the landing, the door swung open, allowing him entrance.

"Hello Filius," Dumbledore greeted with a smile.

"How did you know it was me?" Flitwick asked with a reciprocal smile.

"I do not think anyone has any idea about that password save for you and Harry," Dumbledore said with a chuckle, nibbling on a blueberry scone that sat on a plate on his desk.

"I always suspected that you had different passwords for different people," Flitwick laughed, accepting a scone from him and munching on it with delight.

"It helps prepare me for what is to come," Dumbledore snorted. "What brings you by?"

"I wanted to get your opinion on something. Harry and I spoke earlier and he showed an interest in goblin cooking and cuisine."

"Oh? Actually that does not surprise me at all," Dumbledore said, looking thoughtful.

"And as a professor, not to mention as someone vested in Harry's happiness, I would like to nurture said interest and help him obtain the knowledge and skills for it," Flitwick continued.

Dumbledore sat back in his chair. "I heartily approve but how do you think to make that work?"

"I was thinking of going to Gringotts and speak with Ragnok and hopefully Diglin."

"Employ Harry at the bank?" Dumbledore asked, eyebrow raised.

"Best case scenario," Flitwick said. "At the least, perhaps some lessons here and there. More informal and less professional. I would be more than happy to pay for it. I mean, I could ask any of the home cooks from Thalga to do it and some might, especially if they were hired to do it. But having Harry at the bank would be more beneficial to him."

"And more difficult," Dumbledore said slowly. "No offense."

"None taken at all," Flitwick said with a smile. "Absolutely there are pros and cons to both approaches. But I do want Harry to have the best experience he can have."

"And you believe a more professional kitchen would be that?"

"I do. Not only that, if Diglin is amenable to the idea, he would treat Harry fairly. In the sense of being a very strict and demanding boss to an employee. But he wouldn't be mean or cruel to Harry simply because Harry is human. Only if Harry is rude and incompetent."

"Which he is neither," Dumbledore said, nodding.

"The StoneHearts have worked with humans in the past," Flitwick added. "And currently have decent relations with certain humans now, hence why I believe he would be fair and appropriate."

"Certainly a good idea," Dumbledore nodded. "And I believe Harry would enjoy the opportunity. When were you thinking of letting him do this?"

"During the summer. It would be a bit much to do during the school year. Main One isn't open on the weekends typically." He noticed Dumbledore's frown. "Would that be a problem?"

"It would," Dumbledore said slowly, his frown deepening. "His…relations are none too fond of magicals as it is. And I have seen first hand some of the trouble Harry has with them."

"I have said I don't like what goes unsaid, from moments with Harry," Flitwick said bluntly.

"Neither do I." Dumbledore rubbed his face wearily. "No, we will not allow this to go on further. I will ensure that Harry will be able to go, should you get permission for him."

"Then I will not fail in doing so," Flitwick said stoutly.

Dumbledore's eyes lit up. "Actually, that gives me an idea. I think Harry will one day want to make a career out of his passion, and just like any other career path, experience is worth its weight in gold. I can try to have him gain that elsewhere as well."

"That would be good," Flitwick nodded. "Where are you thinking? Not many would want to employ him due to his age and experience level. That is why I'm going through Gringotts and Ragnok."

"Right, and to be honest, there are precious few I would trust to oversee Harry at this time," Dumbledore said.

"A professional environment with someone you trust," Flitwick mused. He thought for a moment and then smiled. "Oh! I don't think Rosmerta has the time nor the inclination to take on someone so young."

"She probably does not," Dumbledore agreed.

"I think Harry would learn a lot from Aberforth," Flitwick said. "Learn a lot about a lot of things."

"That is what makes me somewhat hesitant," Dumbledore confessed and smiled weakly at Flitwick's boisterous laughter.

"Aberforth is full of wisdom," Flitwick said. "Appropriate and inappropriate."

"Agreed," Dumbledore snorted. "Still, I think it would be good for both of them, if I can convince him to consider it. I would also have it done over the summer and give Harry plenty to do and learn."

"Then may Fortune smile on us both," Flitwick said. He shook his head. "All this business with Black must weigh heavily on him. Let's give him something nice to look forward to."

"Yes, let us do that," Dumbledore said firmly. "I will speak with Aberforth tomorrow."

"I'm going to go to Gringotts now," Flitwick said. "I will let you know how it goes when I return."

"Thank you," Dumbledore smiled.

-0-

"Do you know how many people I allow to barge in without an appointment?" The Director of Gringotts Britain looked up, an expression of mild irritation on his sharp features.

"Not many at all," Flitwick said, walking into the expansive office without hesitation or reservation. "Diglin, Dee, myself, Doran, and who else?"

"Actually that is it at the moment. The Heads lost their right to do that recently and I am loath to return them the ability." Ragnok pushed a letter to the side and walked to a cabinet behind him. He returned to the desk with two crystal glasses and a decanter full of dark purple liquid. "Please, save me from this latest pile of shit from the Paris branch."

Flitwick chuckled and accepted a glass of the purple spirits. "Sylver still being a prick?"

"Very much so," Ragnok sighed, draining his glass and refilling it. "Even his own Director refuses to meet with him half the time."

"Sounds about right." Flitwick sipped his glass, appreciating the strong liquor. "I'm here to ask for a favor of sorts."

"Oh? I cannot remember the last time you asked for one." Ragnok looked at Flitwick with interest. "By all means."

"I have a student that is interested in goblin cooking and cuisine," Flitwick said. "And I would like for them to have the opportunity to learn."

Ragnok stared at him unblinking for a long moment before snorting. "You are not serious." He did a double-take at Flitwick's expression. "You are serious."

"Very much so," Flitwick said coolly.

"This student wants to learn about goblin food," Ragnok repeated. "Why?"

"He likes to cook and is interested in learning about other cuisines."

"I thought British Magicals looked down on that sort of thing."

"Normally, yes. Harry, Harry Potter, is the outlier to that."

Ragnok frowned thoughtfully. "Harry Potter? Hmm."

"And he is sincere," Flitwick said firmly. "He is a fine cook already, incredibly so given his age and environment."

"So why here then?" Ragnok asked.

"Because I want him somewhere safe and where things will be done properly," Flitwick said, stressing the last word. "I want him somewhere I can trust the people around him."

"You are willing to put a young magical human into close proximity with goblins and out of the public eye," Ragnok said sardonically.

"Yes," Flitwick said. "I believe in him, and in the people here."

"You know what a lot of the goblins here are like," Ragnok countered. "I am the Director, not a babysitter."

"Harry isn't a baby."

"I am aware of that," Ragnok snorted. "I am saying that I cannot ensure fair treatment or any lack of hostility."

"And I am aware of that and I am not expecting you to. I am expecting that should he become an employee of the bank, he be treated as such and the others will act with professional courtesy," Flitwick countered.

"An employee?" Ragnok looked confused for a moment. "Ah, now I see. Diglin."

"Precisely," Flitwick beamed.

"You know how he is," Ragnok said.

"I do, hence why I am hoping you and he will agree to it. Harry will be worth the time and effort. He works hard, he is kind, he is respectful," Flitwick said. "He is sound metal."

"A glowing recommendation," Ragnok observed.

"Like I said, I believe in him," Flitwick said. "He will be a benefit to the bank and we will benefit from aiding him in this." The two sat in comfortable contemplative silence for a moment before the doors opened behind them. "Ah, we were just talking about you," Flitwick said, turning and smiling.

"I know, I could feel it." Diglin walked in and nodded at Flitwick and Ragnok. "Felt something in my bones and decided to come by before leaving." He poured himself a glass of the purple alcohol. "So, why are you two talking about me?"

"Flitwick would like to bring in someone to learn about goblin food and cooking," Ragnok said.

"Who?" Diglin asked, giving Flitwick a suspicious look.

"One of my students," Flitwick said smoothly. "He is young, but has some skill already and is eager to learn."

"From a goblin?" Diglin snorted.

"Yes," Flitwick said simply. "He learns from me easily. He is one of my best students."

"Why does he want to learn goblin food?" Diglin asked.

"Because he is interested in all kinds of food and cooking. He wants to learn and improve and become better than what he is."

"I suppose I can appreciate that," Diglin conceded. "But a magical learning about our food? From us? I don't know if that's a good idea or not."

"It will depend on the teacher as much as the student," Ragnok said.

Diglin snorted. "You two know how I am."

"Hence why I am here," Flitwick said, refilling his glass.

"I won't treat him like he's anything special," Diglin warned. "He'll be treated like any other in the kitchen and if he's dead weight, I'll cut him loose."

"If, and that is a very big if, he is found wanting, then that is fine," Flitwick said. "I do not think that will be the case."

"Think highly of him?" Diglin asked, impressed.

"The highest," Flitwick said with a smile.

Diglin and Ragnok looked at each other. "How old is he?" Diglin asked.

"Thirteen," Flitwick said, "will be fourteen this coming summer which is when I was hoping he could be here."

"Just a kid," Diglin muttered.

"He's used to working hard," Flitwick said, frowning a little. "And in…difficult circumstances." The other two noticed his expression and shared another look.

"Age is not necessarily a detriment," Ragnok said slowly. "Especially if they are vouched for."

"I, Filius Flitwick of Clan SteelBlood, solemnly swear on the character of my student and his honor is my honor and my honor is my life and let any who question it be prepared for the consequences," Flitwick said solemnly.

Ragnok suppressed a shudder. "No need to be that formal about it," he said, filling their glasses.

"Just showing how much I believe in him," Flitwick said, drinking. "And no hard feelings if the opportunity isn't given. I wanted to come here first because I trust you two."

Ragnok looked at Flitwick and then shrugged. "I have your word and that is enough for me."

"I guess we can try it," Diglin conceded. "What's his name?"

"Harry Potter," Flitwick said.

Diglin paused. "Potter you said?" He sipped his drink slowly. "Fine, I'll see what his metal is worth."

"Thank you," Flitwick beamed. "Neither of you will regret this decision."

Ragnok smiled wryly. "We will see."

-0-

"Well?" Dumbledore asked eagerly.

"Took some convincing, but he will have the chance," Flitwick said with satisfaction.

"Splendid!" Dumbledore smiled. "I think it will be a wonderful experience for Harry."

"Me too," Flitwick said with a happy expression.

-0-

The following summer.

"Hello Harry," Flitwick said warmly, smiling as Harry walked through the Floo and barely stumbled. "See? You are getting the hang of it!"

"I am! Still wild but not as scary anymore," Harry said, brushing the soot off of him. "I have something for you. I made it today."

"Oh lovely! Thank you, my boy." Flitwick took the container from Harry eagerly and opened the lid. "Mmmm! That smells incredible! You made this, already? That's wonderful-wait." Flitwick frowned at the contents of the container. "Is this crake?"

"Yes Sir, crake chowder, Main One style," Harry said proudly.

"Did you have any?" Flitwick asked, eyes widening.

"Yes Sir," Harry said, startled by Flitwick's expression. "And some teagale and-" He gasped when Flitwick jumped out of his chair and grabbed Harry's arm and dragged him out of the office, pulling him after him. "Sir! Is everything okay?!"

"Are you okay?!" Flitwick asked, sounding concerned and furious. "We're going to the infirmary to get you checked. When did you eat the chowder and drink the teagale?!"

"A few hours ago? Like right before lunch service."

"HOURS?! Did you turn purple? Can you breathe? Any tingling in your limbs and fingers?!" Flitwick asked, speeding up and not letting Harry go.

"I feel fine!" Harry said, finding it hard to keep up with the diminutive professor. "And both things tasted really good but I was a little worried about the alcohol in the teagale."

"The alcohol is the least of our worries," Flitwick said. "Did anyone see you drink them?!"

"They gave it to me, Chef and the Crew," Harry said. His eyes widened as Flitwick shouted something in Gobbledegook, a long litany of words that he did not understand but judging from Flitwick's tone and facial features, was not kind.

"What's the matter?!" Pomfrey looked astonished as Flitwick came into the infirmary and pushed Harry in front of him. "I haven't heard you swear like that in a long time!"

"I need you to check him for crake toxin and teagalus leaf toxins," Flitwick said hurriedly, pushing Harry onto one of the medical wing beds.

"The what-ins?!" Harry asked, eyes round.

"Crake and many of the leaves used to make teagale have toxic properties," Flitwick said as Pomfrey hurriedly waved her wand over Harry while summoning some things from the cabinet. "Not even all goblins are immune to them. They are poisonous to certain humans and can cause a fatal allergic reaction."

"But I feel fine," Harry said.

"And he is fine, nothing is out of sorts," Pomfrey said with relief and Flitwick nearly deflated with his own relief. "Drink this in case." She mixed a vial and gave it to Harry who drank it without question. "How do you feel and how does it taste?"

"I feel fine and it tastes okay," Harry reported.

"Then you are not susceptible to either form of toxins," Pomfrey said. "Which would have been good to know before you ingested either."

"Were you forced to eat any?" Flitwick asked with a dangerous glint in his eye.

Harry gulped. "No Sir! Really, they were nice! They asked if I wanted some and oh." Harry turned thoughtful. "That's why they asked me if I was feeling okay after eating and drinking. Chef and the Crew. And the Director even asked me later if I was feeling okay."

Flitwick growled. "Well, don't worry Harry. I'm going to go have a word with them about this."

"They weren't mean about it, honest," Harry said plaintively.

"Don't fret. I won't do anything unwarranted." Flitwick patted Harry's shoulder. "And everything's fine with him?"

Pomfrey looked deeply amused. "He's the picture of health despite his delicate constitution."

"I'm not delicate," Harry huffed, smiling at Pomfrey's laugh.

"Thank you again for the chowder and run along to the Hog's Head," Flitwick said. "I will speak to you later." He left the infirmary, his steps heavy and full of ire. He kicked the door of his office open and then kicked it shut. He grabbed a handful of Floo powder and threw it into the hearth, the fire crackled and flared, burning brightly. Before stepping through the Floo, he opened a cabinet and took out a heavy weapon from within. It was a long mace, a large and solid iron head mounted on an iron shaft, and he hefted the weapon without any consideration for its weight, and walked through the Floo with it.

When he arrived at Gringotts, the others who saw him immediately took notice. They gaped at his expression and the weapon he held with careless grace and immediately got out of his way. Flitwick nodded cordially at them but walked down the stone halls with focused intent and the aim of a determined missile. Everyone between him and his target got out of his way, eager to not be noticed by him. Doran looked up and blinked at Flitwick before hiking a thumb over his shoulder. Flitwick nodded and pushed his way into Ragnok's office without stopping.

Diglin turned and groaned. "Okay, look, we took every precaution! Amy's a medic and she had her bag there! Admittedly, didn't know about the teagale but still!"

"Do not look at me," Ragnok snorted, shaking his head at Diglin's look. "I told you this would happen and I find myself oddly agreeing with him."

"You sent him here to learn and to try our food!" Diglin said, turning back to Flitwick.

"So it's my fault you fed him crake without checking first?!" Flitwick shouted, slamming the head of his mace against the stone floor.

"Not my floor!" Ragnok groaned. "I like it how it is!"

"I didn't say that!" Diglin shouted back. "I'm just saying that he's trying our food and crake is a big part of our cuisine!"

"Why didn't you check him before you fed it to him?!"

"Didn't want to alarm him beforehand and if it showed positive, he wouldn't have had the chance to try it!" Diglin held his hands up as Flitwick stepped closer, swinging the weapon to find the weight of it. "Filius, come on now, nothing happened! And if, if, something happened, we would have handled it and it would have been fine! And we know for next time!"

"You better hope there isn't a next time!" Flitwick bellowed.

A lantern on Ragnok's desk flickered to life and Ragnok groaned when he saw it. He opened the front of the metal vessel, swinging a small door open. The fire within grew in strength and a female goblin's head appeared. "Hello Dee," Ragnok said weakly, making Flitwick and Diglin notice with the former grumbling and the latter wincing.

"Raggy," Dee greeted. She looked at her husband and then at Flitwick. "Is Diggy in trouble? My right ear tip was twitching and that's usually due to Diggy doing something he shouldn't have. Filly, what are you doing swinging Word Breaker around?"

"He fed Harry crake!" Flitwick said, pointing his mace at Diglin.

"Did you know he wasn't allergic to it?" Dee asked. She glowered and the fire seemed to get even stronger at her expression when she saw Diglin mutely shake his head. "Diggy," she growled.

"I mean, I wasn't even thinking about it," Diglin said weakly. "Didn't occur to me until the chowder was already cooking. But I sent Amy to get her kit and we took every precaution!"

"And they gave him teagale," Ragnok added, ignoring Diglin's look.

"Well one normally has that with chowder," Dee said.

"But some humans are deathly allergic to that as well," Ragnok said.

"Oh? Didn't know that." Dee blinked a few times. "And is the boy okay?"

"He is," Diglin said loudly.

"He is," Flitwick confirmed, still glaring at Diglin.

"Then let's say this was Diggy trying to do well and failing somewhat at it," Dee said and Diglin flushed. "And no true harm done."

Flitwick sighed and ground the end of his mace into the stone ground. "I suppose," he sighed.

"Will you stop trying to ruin my office?" Ragnok asked crossly.

"At least tell me he hasn't done anything to warrant this," Flitwick said.

"He hasn't, I genuinely wanted him to try goblin food," Diglin said with as much dignity as he could muster. "I think he's coming along fine."

"It's true, he hasn't complained about him at all," Dee said. "Aside from the fact that he's tall."

"I'll get used to it," Diglin said at Flitwick's snort.

"See that you do," Flitwick said, waggling the head of his weapon at Diglin.

"You don't scare me," Diglin said with partial truth.

"Diggy," Dee said in a warning tone.

"She scares you," Ragnok said, amused.

"She scares all of us," Diglin retorted.

"My husband says the sweetest things," Dee smiled. "Now behave! All of you!"

"What did I do?!" Ragnok complained.

"Something, I'm sure!" Dee made a threatening hand gesture and the fire within the lantern winked out.

"She's your sister," Flitwick snorted.

"And she is your wife," Ragnok said to Diglin dryly.

"I know," Diglin sniffed.

-0-

Many years into the future, after Hedwig's Hearth had opened.

"Hi everyone!" Harry said happily, walking up the table.

"Hello my boy!" Dee hugged him and kissed him warmly.

"How's everything?" he asked as he made his way around the table.

"Wonderful as per usual," Flitwick smiled.

"Have you included crake onto your regular menu?" Ragnok asked with interest.

Harry stood up, supporting Emmie in his arms as the little girl snuggled into him. "Yes but we have every customer that orders it for the first time to test if they're allergic to it or not first. We have a lot of the test potion here and if they're allergic, we substitute it with crab."

"My goodness, such attention to detail," Flitwick gasped with faux shock.

"Oh don't start," Diglin groaned, glaring at Flitwick. He looked up at a pleasantly confused Harry. "He thought I tried to poison you on purpose when you first started at Gringotts over the crake."

"Oh you'd never do that," Harry said.

"See?!" Diglin said, glaring at the others.

"Chef would have gutted me to my face," Harry said and the others roared with laughter and Diglin flushed. "Chef doesn't play around with that."

"Ow, Emmie, we're joking!" Diglin said when Emmie leaned out and smacked at her grandfather with her fists.

"Well I'm glad none of that happened since I've come to love you dearly," Dee said, smiling at Harry as he held Emmie up as she continued to assault Diglin with evident ire.

"Same," Harry grinned. His grin turned slightly sly. "Say, Sir, there are instances of delayed spells and effects from things that can last from years, right?"

Flitwick's grin matched his. "There certainly are. It's well documented."

Harry nodded and then groaned, clutching his heart. He slumped dramatically to the ground and went limp, still holding Emmie protectively until he got to the floor, his breath rattling in his throat.

"Very funny," Diglin said crossly as the others laughed. He ground his teeth when Flitwick surreptitiously cast a charm on Harry, turning his skin purple.

"Uncle Harry!" Emmie shrieked. She balled her fists and brought them down onto his chest.

"Emmie!" Rubie and Granite groaned while the others laughed themselves hoarse while Harry coughed mightily, the air driven out of him by Emmie's blow.

"But that's what you should do for reshushitation!" Emmie cried as Harry hacked and coughed.

"I'm alive!" Harry gasped, rubbing his chest. "I think." He patted Emmie on the back as she hugged him hard. "Thank you, Emmie!"

"Good job Emmie!" Lavender laughed and laughed and scooped her up. "Let's go to the kitchen and get you a dessert for saving Uncle Harry!" Her shoulders shook from mirth as she carried the happy goblin girl in her arms and they walked into the kitchen together.

"She's your granddaughter," Harry said, still coughing and rubbing his chest but his smile was from ear to ear.

"Yes she is," Dee said proudly.

-0-0-0-

alix33 - Gingerbread can be quite tasty. I've never made it myself, but if you like ginger flavor, it's good.

Hands Off MY Wolfie - Spoiled or gets what she deserves? It's a fine line admittedly. Thanks for reading.

Wentley - Hope you can enjoy the escape as well. Thank you.

odonnellzoo99 - No. She is being Hedwig and contrary and is replying in that way as in if she's wearing a helmet, then why aren't they like her in wearing a helmet.

TheSphynx - So sassy, so Queeny.

poka - Yeah. There's just a lot going on in all aspects of life for everyone and it's hard for everyone. So I just wanted to do my part and hope I can help in my small way. I really liked it when Sunny laughed at making Lavender kiss her tail. Hedwig is the best.

HoneyBear84 - Thank you.

Lucy Elizabeth Dawson - As she said, she is the best owl that ever did owl. That song made me laugh writing it and there's an especially delightful one coming in a future speaking' chapter.