I do not own Harry Potter, the Wizarding World, or any canon characters.
Side Dishes
38th Course – Attempted Coup de Cuisine, Part 1
Takes place some time after the 37th course, after Harry experiences burnout and recovers.
Harry was no stranger to people being angry or upset. Unfortunately constantly steeped in it from as far back as he could remember, he came very familiar with each of the Dursley's ways of portraying their anger and how upset they were, genuine or self-manufactured. As he grew up and made friends and proper family, he saw how the others showed when they were angry and it was a surprising range of responses.
Sirius had two levels of it. When he was mad about something more or less inconsequential, he was very loud about it. The more serious it was however, he was more focused and his anger was directed, the difference between a crackling fire and a burning flame from a blow torch. Remus tended to become more primal the angrier he got, the opposite of Sirius. Andromeda got colder and colder while Dora seemed ready to manifest her anger physically at the drop of the hat.
Lavender wore her emotions on her sleeves for the most part and her eyes would burn the angrier she got. Pansy would get more proper, more polite but in a way where her words and action cut deeper than a blade. Somewhat amusingly, Parvati was the type to get sharper while Padma got wilder, the opposite of each other.
While Harry was not that close to Akari yet, he had learned some of the nuances to her mood and temper. She smiled more or less easily when she was happy, but her smile was used as a mask a lot of the times when she was not truly happy. Many times, her smile was a benign and polite expression that hid her true thoughts and feelings on the matter. When she was focused, so did the smile. She was also one of the types of people to become colder and more polite when she was upset and angry, the type of cool courtesy that seemed good on the surface but left you with a vague feeling of disquiet afterwards.
So when she stomped into the kitchen and was swearing under her breath in Japanese, Harry and the others stared at her with open shock and trepidation. For when she was not being reserved, it was obvious that she was truly and utterly pissed. The air around her seemed to flex and tremble from her presence and the lighter things like plates and utensils rattled audibly when she stormed past.
Seeing how no one else was saying anything, Harry gulped nervously. "Uh, Chef? What's wrong?" He flinched when he became the target of her attention, her magic hitting him solidly and making him stumble slightly.
Seeing him react to that broke through her anger and she calmed down some, looking slightly remorseful while still quite upset. "My apologies," she said hurriedly, grateful when Harry waved a hand. "I am very upset right now." She threw a scroll of paper down onto the table and a few people gasped at the official looking seal on the outside. "I am being challenged."
"For what?" Harry asked, confused.
"Apparently there is a question about my skills as a chef and about the representation of kaiseki cuisine and Kyoto culture! And there is an inquiry about the ownership of this restaurant and I am being challenged over it. My restaurant! MINE!" She gripped the metal table hard and the surface bent under the pressure. "I built this restaurant from nothing! I took ownership alone! They wish to question my integrity and my abilities and take what is MINE!"
"Can they even do that?!" Harry asked, eyes wide with shock. "That doesn't seem right!"
"They are invoking an old law," Akari growled. "I have to defend myself in the arena in front of others to judge my efforts against another. As if they have the right to judge me!" She let out a heavy breath. "My lawyer is trying to help but I am going to go through with the challenge. That will put the issue at rest once and for all and then I will have my lawyer pursue them after for recompense."
"What do you have to do?" Harry asked. "And how can we help?"
She smiled briefly. "I have to complete a traditional kaiseki meal to the highest of standards, against the chosen opposition by the one that is responsible for the initial challenge and their team. We will be cooking in real time and in front of the judges and then they will make their decision."
"Will you be able to have help?" Harry asked.
"One will be allowed to accompany me," she nodded. "Not to mention I will have to prepare for it. I have two weeks to do so." She looked at the assembled staff. "I will be asking you all for your assistance at this time."
She blinked a few times when no one said anything. They looked at each other and some looked chagrined while others looked apathetic somehow.
"I cannot aid you," Chikao said stiffly.
"Why not?" Akari gasped.
"Do you not know who has challenged you?" he asked.
"I was not told at the time, but was supposed to be told…" Her voice faded and she stared at him. "Your family? You knew? You knew and you did not tell me? Warn me?!"
"It is not my place to go against my family and clan," Chikao said coldly.
"What is your place to Shukaku?! Where is your loyalty to the restaurant?! To your staff?!" Akari cried, eyes wide with shock.
"The Family's Honor supersedes all," Chikao sniffed.
Akari stared at him, turning to look at the others. Some looked away, unable to make eye contact while others stared back boldly without flinching.
"I'm so sorry, Chef," one whimpered. "But my family owes the Nakamura's too much. I cannot help."
"I see," Akari said woodenly. She closed her eyes and for a moment her shoulders curled in, her head bowed. Then the moment passed and she looked up, her eyes burning hot. Her gaze, her posture, and her magic made everyone step back from the sudden heat and pressure. "I will be closing Shukaku for the duration of the preparation for the challenge and the challenge itself. You all will be compensated for the first week as an emergency closure but that is it. Also, consider yourselves on indefinite hiatus from Shukaku."
The others gasped out at that, looking shocked and stricken. "You can't do that!" one sputtered.
"I am Akari Morimoto and still the owner and head chef of Shukaku and I can! It has been done!" she roared and they flinched at the sound of her rage. "If I cannot have faith in the integrity of my restaurant and the food I put out, then I will do what I must to change that! It is now clear to me that I must take measures to protect Shukaku and to ensure that it has a future. All of you, leave."
She looked at Chikao and for the first time, he looked unsure and uneasy. "Is this what all those years come down to? When I accepted you as my apprentice? What was the reward for your actions? Shukaku itself after the fires had burned me away, leaving the remnants?"
He opened and closed his mouth a few times before fleeing and the majority of the others fled with him. Others looked at Araki with silent appeals but she ignored them and they left too, with a few leaving with heads bowed.
Akari stood there for a long moment, consumed by her grief and anger before shaking her head violently, wiping her eyes. She turned and nearly jumped with surprise seeing Harry standing there quietly. "Oh! Harry, yes. I apologize for allowing you to see something so shameful."
"No reason to apologize," Harry said softly. "I'm so sorry Chef."
"As am I," she said, her vulnerability showing briefly once more before she pushed it down. "No matter. I will endure. You may spend the next two weeks at Maketto. They will need you because I will not be able to go there as much in the coming weeks."
"If you want me to, of course. I'd rather help you though," Harry said. "I'm here to help you after all."
She looked at him. "I do not think you will be allowed to aid me for the challenge," she said slowly. "You are not Japanese and not a part of any of the major families. You will be barred."
He shrugged. "Sure, but you can use someone to help you now, right? I've learned a lot from you and can at least help prep for you and help you prepare for it. As much as I can."
Her eyes glinted slightly and she nodded. "I will appreciate your aid, Harry. Thank you."
-0-
The days flew by. Harry did indeed help at Maketto for a shift or two, and at Boto, but he spent the majority of his time at Shukaku helping Akari practice, plan, and prepare. It was grueling difficult work because she was doing things at a level higher than he already thought possible. She truly brought her skills out and worked hard, constantly revising and practicing and perfecting.
Were it not for the dire consequences, Harry would have enjoyed it. He was working with her one on one for everything and she spoke a lot, explaining what she was doing and why. He recognized it as a form of distraction and focus for her: distraction from the circumstances and focusing on the task at hand. She would routinely get lost in educating and teaching him, relaxing for a fraction. Then the weight of the situation would hit her hard once more and she would return to her mood.
As they practiced, Harry learned more about the situation. The Nakamura Clan was indeed the primary challenger and had started everything. Apparently there was a history of strife between them and the Morimoto Clan and there was another moment in their tumultuous history, an attempt at evening the score and revenge.
Because the Nakamura Clan was one of the biggest in Wizarding Japan, a lot of other families and clans were wary of going against them, especially ones affiliated with them or ones that held alliances to them. Sadly, there were a few at Maketto that also knew of the situation before it started and Akari had fired them as well, saying she had no confidence in them.
Also, Harry was also barred from aiding Akari during the challenge itself. He was not a formal member of any of the clans and not a citizen of Wizarding Japan. Another blow. Also, due to the circumstances of the challenge, Akari was unable to get help from anyone else in her Clan.
She bore it with stoicism much like a British gentleman, but Harry could tell she was not feeling sanguine about it all. In her rare moments of not actively cooking and working, she was agitated and stressed, growing more so as the deadline of the challenge came closer.
Harry felt incredibly bad. He liked her a lot and had overall enjoyed his time in Japan learning about cooking and running two completely different restaurants from her. He knew his feelings prior, of being burned out, was not her fault exactly, and the fact that she was the first of the chefs to invite him to work with them mattered a lot to him.
He wished he could help her more.
After a long day of practice, he sat in his apartment, looking out the window. It was well into the night and despite being tired, he could not sleep. He played with Hedwig some to take his mind off things. "I wish I could do more," he sighed.
Hedwig tugged on the rope and managed to make him lose his grip. She cheeped victory for a moment before putting it down, looking up at him and hooting.
"What's that?" he asked, looking down at her.
Hedwig waddled to the bookcase where Harry put pictures and things and waddled back, dropping a picture in his lap. She tapped at it with her beak.
Harry smiled at it. It was a picture of him with Pansy, Millicent, Blaise, Daphne, and Tracey as well as their younger siblings. They had dressed him up in Slytherin colors and clothes and were pretending he was in their House. He turned thoughtful. "Think like them?"
Hedwig nodded, gently pecking the air above Pansy.
"Hmm, how would they get around this?" Harry said softly, brightening a little. He sat up. "To beat the system, you have to think like the system, or know someone that does." He grabbed a piece of origami paper and wrote a message on it. He then tapped it with his wand and smiled as it folded itself into a crane and it flew out the window. "Great idea Hedwig," he praised.
Hedwig cheeped happily, looking plump and proud.
-0-
"Thank you for meeting me Sir," Harry said gratefully.
"Of course," Aoi said warmly. He happily took the box from Harry. "I am glad you brought Aikawa no Boto to my attention. It is my usual place to go to for lunch now. How can I help you?" He listened to Harry describing the situation and he sighed deeply. "The Nakamura Clan is known for their power-hungry nature and underhanded dealings. This sort of thing is quite common I am afraid to say."
He ate slowly, thinking. "Unfortunately, you would not be eligible to assist her. You are not a part of Wizarding Japan and not a part of any of the major clans. You have no right to. This is purely a local and traditional matter."
"I understand that. But I was wondering if there was some sort of…precedent."
"How so?" Aoi asked, intrigued.
"When I learned that I was coming over, I was talking to my good friend and her family. They're Muggleborn and she mentioned a book that she and her parents loved. It's called Shogun," Harry explained.
"Ah yes, I know of it. It is a good book, but it is a work of fiction mostly," Aoi said. "That said…there are records of non-Japanese people becoming retainers for prominent Japanese families and clans…to the degree where they could participate in certain situations. Both magical and nonmagical."
He shook his head. "It would be too suspicious for the Morimoto Clan to accept you as a retainer now. And most of the other major families and clans would not do so at this time, unless you had a lot of money and influence."
"Okay, but is there a thing where quantity makes up for quality?"
Aoi smiled. "To have the backing of several families instead of one? Actually, yes. That would also lend more weight because it shows multiple families showing their belief in you and your character."
"And well, I learned this from Mr. Drake and Miss Edwina, but being an ICW member and employee sort of kind of pushes through some laws and customs, right?" Harry asked sheepishly.
Aoi laughed brightly. "It does and I will be telling Eld Tepes you said that. I do believe he would be proud of you and agree with you." Aoi ate his onigiri with renewed gusto and amusement. "Typically, that luxury is afforded only to major members of the departments. You will need to have an excuse for interfering too, if you wish to use the ICW angle."
"How about the fact that my livelihood in Japan and the reason I'm even here is being threatened," Harry asked. "I came here specifically to work for Chef Morimoto. Don't I have a right to help defend it?"
"You absolutely do," Aoi said with approval. "And that cannot be questioned. Very clever, Mr. Potter!"
"And so if I get some backing from other families, and do things right within the Japanese Ministry system-," Harry said.
"-it shows how sincere you are and how respectful you are," Aoi finished. "If you can get that, I will smooth things out for you from my end. In fact, I will offer you my name and my family's support."
"Thank you, Sir! I hope it won't get you in trouble though."
Aoi shook his head. "It will not. My brother and I are both heads of our family and he will agree with me. We both dislike the Nakamuras and any time they are unhappy, we are happy."
"Spite is a legitimate reason to do things," Harry smiled.
"It most certainly is! Not to mention that Eld Tepes is a good friend of mine, and thus you in relation. In the short time I have known you, I have found you of good character. This only solidifies that. You get as many names as you can to back you, and I will take care of the rest," Aoi said.
"And I'll cook for you and your family as much as you like," Harry grinned.
"Ah and that will be a most delightful thing to sweeten the deal so you say," Aoi smiled.
-0-
"Fuck the Nakamuras," Akiko snorted. "Family of thieves and brigands. I warned Akari-Chan, but no. She did not listen."
"Now isn't the time, Mother," Akane sighed.
"I feel bad for her," Kaito said. "She is a very respected member in our industry, but there are many who wish to see her brought low. I wanted to help her, but we cannot right now."
"Noriaki Nakamura made it very difficult for anyone to interfere," Yamato Sakai, Katio's uncle, said sourly. "He planned this very well, the bastard."
Harry had asked Kaito to come to Aikawa no Boto for a meeting, something the Aikawa's had no problem with. Tsumugi and Chiyo had come with their parents too and they all listened to Harry talk about what was happening with Akari and Shukaku. They had all heard of it somewhat with how gossip and news travels in the Japanese wizarding community, but not all of the details.
"Very cowardly," Himari Watanabe said, shaking her head.
"But what can be done?" Rin Suzuki, Chiyo's mother, asked.
"Well, I think I figured out a way to help Chef," Harry said. "There's precedent where outsiders became retainers and were able to help their clans."
"This is true," Daisuke said, nodding.
"There's also a law where the word of many makes up for the word of a few," Harry continued. "If I can get the backing of several families, it will be the same if I get the backing of a major one."
"That makes sense," Ichiro said. "I have heard of that before."
"So basically I'm asking for your help. I know it's a lot, but if you could back me for this, I'd be really grateful. I'm also willing to pay you back in a lot of ways," Harry said sincerely, looking at the people in the kitchen. "Monetary compensation, I know people who can facilitate negotiations and talk about trade, magic and enchanting, lots of things."
"You would be willing to risk your reputation and your being in this?" Rin asked, surprised. "You are not Japanese, you have no stake in this."
"Respectfully, I do," Harry said. "I was asked to come work for Chef Akari. I owe her this at the least. Plus I've learned so much about Japanese food and the culture from when I became friends with Tsumugi, Sota, and Chiyo. I want to help in any way that I can, as respectfully I can."
"The Nakamura Clan is powerful and vengeful," Himari warned. "They will take affront to this and may try to pursue revenge against you."
"I'm really not that scared," Harry said plainly and they all looked at him with surprised expressions. "I've been in danger before and they can't be any more dangerous than who I had to deal with before. Besides," he touched the slim silver case he kept in his chest pocket and smiled, "I have family back home that will protect me as much as I want to protect the people I care about."
"Well said," Akiko said with deep approval. "As Matriarch of the Aikawa family, you have our support and I will make you a family retainer." She stared at Akane and Ichiro.
"No complaints here," Akane said with a smile.
"None from me," Ichiro said.
"A Nakamura who has been defied is a good thing," Yamato said. "I refuse to let some idiot who has not worked in the profession play as if he owns it. The Sakai Clan will support you in this."
"You are Tsumugi's first friend outside of Japan," Himari said. "I can still remember how happy she was when she met you and how surprised at how kind you were, and you have only become more kind since. The Watanabe Clan will help you in this."
Chiyo looked pleadingly at her mother who hummed softly and nodded. "The Suzuki family will add our voice to this." She smiled sharply. "The wailing of the Nakamura is music to me. It is done."
"Thank you so much," Harry said with relief. "I promise to pay you back however I can. I also have the help of the Bando Clan in this."
"Then you will not be denied," Himari said, looking pleased. "None of the families can ignore the Watanabe, the Sakai, and the Bando together. Especially with the Aikawa and the Suzuki too. That is substantial pressure."
She looked at Harry and smiled gently, seeing Azuki and Ebi pop their heads out of his jacket pockets. "Besides, if we denied you, there would be no rest."
"I'm still missing one of my gunpla heads," Kaito grumbled as Azuki and Ebi giggled.
"Is it this one? I found it on my bookcase the other day," Harry said, digging through a pocket and handing Kaito one.
"It is! Thank you, my friend," Kaito said gratefully, glaring at the unrepentant trickster foxes.
"Be careful, mago," Akiko said, looking at him with concern. "The Nakamuras are not above sabotage and cheating when they are about to lose. You must watch them, even during the competition."
"Thank you," Harry said. He looked up and Hedwig, who was sitting on his head as per usual, looked down and she winked at him. "I've got the best watcher with me too. She'll catch them if she has to."
"I cannot wait to see how this ends," Rin smiled.
-0-
"Chef?"
Akari looked up at Harry. It was the day before the challenge and she was looking weary and resigned. While she had worked tirelessly for long hours, it was starting to drain her. She took a deep breath and sighed before trying to look confident. "Yes, Harry?" She took the rolled paper from him with a frown, seeing the official seal on it. "What is this?"
"A copy of the notice that went to the Nakamura Clan and the judges for the challenge," Harry said. She gasped as she opened it and read it.
"How…how did you do this?!" she asked, hands shaking slightly. "You have the backings of the Bando, the Watanabe, and the Sakai?! And the Suzuki and you are a retainer of the Aikawa?!"
"Yes Chef," Harry said. "And as such, they can't stop me from helping you during the challenge as your assistant. If you want me to, of course."
She stared at him. "You are risking much for this."
He shook his head. "Nothing that can't be risked for something important."
"You would do this, for me?" she asked, voice small.
He nodded. "Yes Chef."
"Why?"
"Because you believed in me," Harry said simply. "You were the first professional chef that wasn't a mentor or who trained me to say that I showed a lot of talent and promise. You were the first to invite me to come work for you. You risked your restaurant's reputation to give me a chance to learn and train. Honestly, it's just me doing the same for you. And I'm happy to. Shukaku and Morimoto zu Maketto are amazing restaurants and your cooking is brilliant and wonderful. They shouldn't be able to take Shukaku from you, not without an honest fight."
Akari's eye glinted in the light. "I…thank you, Harry. Your support means much to me and I do not know how I can ever repay you."
"You can keep teaching me how to cook," Harry grinned. "And I wouldn't say no to taking me to those places you told me about before."
Akari threw her head back and laughed for the first time in a scant two weeks. It was a loud and boisterous sound, full of new life. "Done! Before, I thought I could survive but with your help, we will do more than that!"
She smiled sharply, full of energy and hunger, her eyes sparkling. "Come! Let us prepare for the battle tomorrow and emerge victorious."
Harry tied a bandanna on, a new one, in the colors of the Aikawa and with their family crest on it. "Hai, Chef!"
-0-0-0-
Wentley - Exploring Thalga were some of my favorite chapters in the original story. It took so much thinking and planning but the payoff was well worth it. Luna is awlways wonderful.
Hands Off MY Wolfie - Harry loves to share and the trip counted to that. Hedwig also deserves all the fun too. Thanks for reading.
odonellzoo99 - Right? It's such a good mindset, loosely based off one I've heard before: Home is where your butt is. Emmie and Hedwig are a great duo.
TheSphynx - And adorably brutal.
HoneyBear84 - I'm so sorry to hear that. I am sure Hex loved you and will carry the love you shown him with him.
poka - It's a very good mindset to have honestly. It probably would make sense to have animals allergic to crake but yes, not Hedwig.
dawnsfire - I have seen the reels of people with pet owls and I was so vindicated when I saw someone with their owl sitting on their head. I'm glad you enjoy the story.