I do not own Harry Potter, the Wizarding World, or any canon characters.
I was going to update Stone today, but decided to do this to spare the cliffhanger some. So much research went into this chapter but I think it's a very good one, so worth it. Hope you all enjoy.
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Side Dishes
39th Course – Attempted Coup de Cuisine, Part 2
Takes place immediately after the last chapter/course.
Harry looked around the open space with wonder and more than a smidge of trepidation.
It was an impressive space. They were in the middle of Nijo Castle, one of the oldest castles and best-preserved ones in all of Kyoto. It was built during the Tokugawa Shogunate and was also a traditional spot for the Japanese Ministry of Magic to conduct important meetings and matters of importance. While the Ministry itself was not located there, there was a way to enter the Ministry from the castle itself, highlighting the importance of the site and the ties of the Wizarding World of Japan with the history of their country.
They were currently in the Ninomaru Garden, a beautiful place within sight of the Ninomaru Palace itself. A grand table had been set up beside the pond and the air was dry and cold. The pond was still and quiet, much like the rest of the grounds. To the side, a kitchen had been set up with all the usual equipment and things a proper kitchen needed.
Akari stood at the ready before the table with Harry at her side. She was the picture of grim determination, unflinching and resolute under the immense pressure emanating from the table and the people who sat at it. Harry did not quite possess her calm at the moment, but he was able to stand at the ready, wanting to show a unified front with his chef.
Five witches and wizards sat at the table, looking right at them both. Harry could feel the magic and strength that they exuded. They were dressed in kimonos and other traditional clothes he had seen a lot in Japan and Kyoto, but with that whimsical feel that magical clothes gave off. He vaguely thought how Lavender would be so excited to be there and to see all the styles of clothing, and he smiled a little, thinking of her.
Seeing him smile, the one at the far end frowned. "See how he mocks us?" he asked, voice heavy with distaste and displeasure.
"Of course Nakamura-San would be mocked by a smile," another man said from the opposite side, not looking at Noriaki who bristled. "Any outward display of any kind of positive emotion is such an affront to delicate sensibilities."
"As amusing as it is to listen to you fight oh so politely, I lack the patience for it today," the witch in the middle said, looking at either end of the table and both men lapsed into silence. "Harry Potter has been accepted as a retainer for the Aikawa family and has the backing of other honorable families and clans. We accept his role in this." She smiled when Harry bowed politely at the waist.
Harry let out a small breath. He and Akari had wondered if he would be denied at the last moment. Thankfully, it looked like he would not be. Akari had briefed him on who would probably be on the panel of judges. Unfortunately, despite obvious bias, Noriaki Nakamura would be one of them. Harry had been happy to hear that Ujio Sanada, the Headmaster of Mahoutokoro would be one of them. He remembered how nice the older man had been at the Showcase and their visit the following year. The man who had argued with Noriaki was Asahi Morimoto, Akari's great-uncle and the current patriarch of the Morimoto Clan, being able to be a part for the same reason that Noriaki was. The next member of importance was Ken Bushida, one of the higher-level officials in the Japanese Ministry. To finish the panel was Yaeko Tanji, the Japanese Minister of Magic.
"We are gathered today to resolve the challenge for ownership of Shukaku," Yaeko said. "Akari Morimoto, you have been accused of actions unbefitting a member of the Clans, of a lack of respect to the culture of Kyoto and Kaiseki Cuisine, and unlawful ownership of the building and the land that Shukaku is built upon."
"And I deny those accusations" Akari said loudly and proudly. "All can see my licenses and my writs of ownership. I have also worked in the culinary industry for many years now, under venerable masters of the art. I will prove my worth this day and any day, against any and all detractors."
"Very well. We will let your actions speak for you," Yaeko said.
"I thought I would be competing against someone, chosen by the accuser," Akari said, looking around.
"They have been dismissed," Noriaki said. He glared at Harry. "With that one's inclusion, this no longer has any meaning. His presence is an insult and sullies the ground as well as the purpose of this."
"And yet, the challenge will continue and the results will be accepted however they become," Asahi said, glaring at Noriaki.
"Just because one decides to forfeit, does not mean the challenge is not legitimate," Ujio said lightly.
"My team did not forfeit," Noriaki hissed.
"Enough," Yaeko said mildly but the others immediately fell silent once more. "I do not want to pollute the gardens with bickering. Chef Akari, you and your assistant may begin."
Akari nodded and she and Harry went to the kitchen. They were allowed to prepare some things but they had to do most of the work there while being watched by the panel, not to mention finishing plating the dishes and serving them directly with servants standing at the ready, also watching. "The opposition not cooking against us means nothing," Akari said. "We will do what we came to do, cook well and serve good food."
"Why is the Minister of Magic presiding?" Harry asked in a whisper. "Is that a normal thing?"
"No, it is not," Akari whispered back. "But this whole charade is happening in our capital and where she grew up and she is well-known as a gourmet, one who cares deeply about our cultural food and the like. Also, the Nakamuras and the Morimotos are among the oldest and most powerful families in our society, it will require her to control things and legitimize them."
"Does she favor them more?" Harry asked.
"I do not believe so," Akari said slowly, "but she is a politician as well as a Minister and she knows she must do what she believes right for the stability of our country and herself. No matter. We will prevail."
"Yeah we will," Harry said, nodding.
"Please prepare the vegetables and start simmering the stocks," Akari ordered. She rolled her wrist and her bracelet glowed. Pieces of paper floated into the air and hung over a long prep table, manipulated by her magic. "Just like we practiced."
"Hai, Chef," Harry said, tying his bandanna on. He opened boxes and pulled out all sorts of vegetables, cleaning them carefully first with his usual spells then with a bit of water after to ensure total cleanliness. Then he got to work, chopping and slicing and peeling, setting things aside in neat piles and rows and covering them with clothes when he finished. He would call out his tasks as he finished them and Akari would swipe with her finger and lines of ink appeared on the papers, crossing out tasks as they finished.
"He has gotten better," Ujio said, watching Harry with fond interest. "Much better."
"You have seen him cook before?" Asahi asked.
"Many years ago, during the International Showcase when we were selected to present with Hogwarts and Uagadou and the other school, the new British one. Sanguis Verus, that is their name." Ujio watched as Harry worked. "Of course, one would hope one improves after working for so many years, but he looks very confident and works diligently and well."
"He is gaijin," Noriaki said sourly. "He has no place here."
"Except he does," Ken said mildly. "His presence is accepted."
Yaeko ignored the others, continuing to watch with evident interest.
Time passed pleasantly and the sun warmed the grounds and gardens slightly, but the air remained crisp and fresh. Harry and Akari worked at a steady pace, constantly in motion. Every so often, Harry would look up at a nearby treetop and then look back at his work, a small gesture that none of the others caught him doing enough to notice. Savory scents filled the air and Harry began laying out plates and platters and things, making sure they were pristine.
"The Sakizuke," Akari said as she and the servers approached the table. The servers placed the plates before the judges and she waited for them to receive them before speaking further. "Amaebi was gently cooked in Hamachi stock and served with simmered daikon and shimeji mushrooms, finished with orange and vinegar. The meal will be a celebration of the end of Autumn and Winter ingredients."
"Mmm, the shrimp is cooked perfectly," Ken said admiringly. "The stock is clear and the daikon is full of the savory flavor. The tartness of the sauce wakes up the tongue as well."
"A good start," Yaeko agreed.
Next was the suimono course, the first soup course. Harry had made a clear soup using more of the Hamachi stock, a Japanese amberjack fish, cooked with mushrooms to add an earthy flavor with a small amount of soy sauce. It was served in beautiful lacquered bowls along with finely prepared Chinese cabbage and thinly sliced turnip and was well received.
The hassun course was the seasonal course, one dedicated to the season's produce and bounty. Here Akari presented a plate that had sections of mikan oranges and sliced strawberries nestled with monkfish that had been pan-seared and finished in the oven. The fresh fruits helped add a delicateness to the meaty fish that had been cooked with stronger flavors.
For the mukozuke course, the sashimi course, Akari had shown a lot of skill with arranging a beautiful display of tuna and yellowtail fish. She alternated between the two and while both had a butter texture, the tuna had a denser flavor and texture while the yellowtail was more delicate. Both had ample fat and they practically melted on the tongue.
"Very good quality," Ujio said as he ate. "This is wonderful! Such nice cuts as well."
"Barely acceptable," Noriaki grunted. "The most amateur of chefs could create this and be lauded for it."
"Too bad your representatives could not be here to show off their skills," Ashai muttered.
Harry was especially proud of the takiawase course which was the vegetable course. He learned of a dish called chikuzenni which were simmered vegetables, often served with chicken. In this case, they took the root vegetables of the season as well as lotus root and bamboo shoots, and Harry had cooked each vegetable in stock until they were cooked through but still possessing a gentle crunch, then combined them together at the end for a moment to simmer together and take on the flavor of the soup stock. Tofu was also simmered separately and all were added together and the bowls were arranged in the same exact way.
"This is nice," Yaeko said with satisfaction, eating delicately. She finished the entire bowl with enthusiasm, looking at Harry with a thoughtful expression. "Each vegetable was cooked perfectly and combined at the end with the right amount of effort so they aren't disparate."
The futamono course was the second soup course, also served in a lidded bowl. This soup was a bit thicker than the first one, a richer soup that was served with slices of grilled beef and mushrooms giving a more hearty taste and feel. The next course was the seasonal fish course, yakimono, and Akari and Harry grilled select parts of the yellowtail fish. The collars and the tails were presented with a piece of the fillet, having been charcoal grilled, and served with freshly grated daikon. The skin was left on and the skin had crackled and charred in some places, smelling fragrant and meaty.
The nimono course was very similar to the takiawase course, being lightly simmered and delicately cooked vegetables again in a flavorful broth. These were served with pickles that were slightly more sour than normal, to take advantage of the light flavors of the simmered daikon, turnip, mushroom, and cabbage. The mushimono course was another of Harry's favorites. It was the steamed course and he had made a chawanmushi, steamed egg custard, and steamed fish separately. Not quite going as robust in flavor and preparation like the Cantonese counterpart, the steamed monkfish was still firm and delicious and provided a nice heaviness to contrast the silky smooth eggs.
At this time, Noriaki snapped his fingers from underneath the table, looking intently at the garden kitchen and the things still cooking and waiting to be served. No one at the table noticed him doing that and he smiled with satisfaction when he felt movement beside his legs and the tablecloth to his side rippled without anyone else noticing.
At least, no one at the table, or the servers, or Akari and Harry noticed. That was not to say that no one noticed.
As they were coming to the end of the meal, Harry peeked out the corner of his eye at the tree top and hesitated for a moment when he did not see what he was expecting. Then a flicker of motion made him relax and he went back to cooking with increased focus and energy.
Exclamations of delight were heard from the table as Akari presented the rice course, also known as the hanmono course. "Donabe cooked rice with sea bream," she announced with satisfaction as lids came off clay pots and clouds of fragrant savory steam blew up into each diner's face. Red sea bream fish sat on seasoned rice, glistening before them. "The rice was seasoned with mushroom and ginger and renkon and steamed with the fish."
"Delicious!" Ken said as he ate without stinting. "Incredible flavor and the rice, fish, and vegetables are perfect."
"Splendid example of winter ingredients," Yaeko said, eating hungrily despite having eaten so much up to that point.
"Well, nothing to say?" Asahi asked condescendingly.
Noriaki looked confused and distracted, shaking his head. "No," he said shortly. "This is adequate." He looked around the garden surreptitiously, frowning as he did.
Like most multi-course meals, it ended with dessert or the mizumono course. Akari and Harry made an orange jelly with an apple syrup on top and served it with a strawberry filled mochi also called an ichigo daifuku. "While ichigo daifuku is more traditionally a spring dessert, I thought it appropriate because like spring comes after the winter, the dessert ends the winter meal," Akari said with satisfaction.
"Well reasoned," Yaeko said, looking satisfied and pleased. She waited for the plates to be removed and she and the others were served cups of steaming tea. "I do not think there will be much to discuss. You have cooked very well and the meal was one of the finest examples of kaiseki cuisine. It also remained true to Kyoto custom with the ingredients you used, save for the fish, were local and used well. Do any disagree?"
"Is something the matter, Nakamura-San?" Ujio asked, noticing that Noriaki was still distracted. "You seem more subdued right now for some reason."
"Are you looking for someone?" Harry asked.
Everyone turned to stare at him before looking at Noriaki. "What?" Noriaki sputtered. "What does he mean by that?!"
"He understands you," Ujio said severely. "Do him the courtesy and speak to him directly! Show some manners!"
"Maybe a fox?" Harry asked innocently, looking up above the judges' tables. Eyes followed his gaze and they gasped as they saw a trickster fox with dark brown fur lying limply over a branch that hung over the table with Hedwig sitting on him, staring down flatly.
"Katsuo!" Noriaki shouted. He jumped up and aimed a long fan at Harry. "Your bird killed my fox!"
Hedwig snorted and she bit Katsuo's ear and tugged sharply. The fox squealed loudly, kicking wildly. His whines became whimpers as Hedwig half dragged him off the branch, making him dangle over empty space.
"Apparently he was creeping around the kitchen, especially where the finished plates were," Harry said. "Hedwig caught him so he wouldn't mess with the food. Wouldn't have wanted an accident to ruin the meal. So he belongs to you? Sir?"
"There are marks of fox foot prints," one of the servers confirmed, going over to the kitchen area and examining the ground. "And something, someone, being dragged away."
"Explain yourself," Ken said, glaring at Noriaki.
Noriaki flushed and under the careful eyes of everyone else, aimed his fan down. "I am sure he meant nothing by it. Perhaps he was simply hungry."
"Perhaps," Ujio said coldly. "I am sure even you would not dream of going so far to sabotage this event."
At Harry's nod, Hedwig launched herself out of the tree, carrying Katsuo in her talons. She dropped him unceremoniously onto Noriaki's head and then landed on Harry's shoulder, glaring bloody murder at the fox who whimpered and squirmed, falling to the ground and fleeing with his ears bent back and tail low.
Yaeko watched as Noriaki sat down, face bright red and looking at the table top, not meeting anyone's eyes. "As the head judge, I find this event finished. The challenge has been made, and accepted, and disproven. I find Akari Morimoto to be a chef beyond reproach and her skills unquestionable and her honor to be pristine."
"Agreed," Asahi said proudly.
"Agreed," Ujio nodded.
"Agreed," Ken said.
"Agreed," Noriaki whispered.
"Then let this inquiry and challenge be laid to rest," Yaeko declared. "Chef Akari Morimoto, Chef Harry Potter, thank you for your time and skills. The meal was one of the finest I have had the honor of having."
"Thank you," Akari said, finally showing some emotion and bowing low with Harry doing the same. As the judges got up from the table, Noriaki left without saying anything and still not looking at anyone.
Asahi came to them and hugged Akari tightly. "I knew this would be the end result," he said loudly and proudly. "Well done, my child. Well done indeed. Your honor and the family honor are unquestioned this day!"
He turned to Harry and shook his hand firmly. "And I thank you, Mister Potter, for the help you have given one of my own. Your deeds and efforts will never be forgotten."
"It was my pleasure," Harry said.
"And to you as well," Asahi said, bowing to Hedwig and smiling as she bowed back perfectly, hooting with lordly grace.
"Your skills have grown," Ujio said to Harry, shaking his hand. "It is wonderful to see. Thank you for the honor and respect you show our culture."
"Thank you for letting me learn," Harry smiled. "Even back when you helped pass messages for me and Sota, Tsumugi, and Chiyo. That really helped me want to learn more."
"Fortuitous then! And I am glad that it has resulted in this," Ujio smiled.
"And I'll ask Azuki to be nicer to you," Harry grinned.
"Oh thank you my friend," Ujio laughed. "She delights in torturing me." He and the others stepped back respectfully as Yaeko walked up to Harry.
"Mister Potter," she greeted with a smile. "I have heard of your skills before, but it is something to see them in person."
"You've heard of me?" Harry gasped.
"In passing. Eld Bathory is a firm fan of yours and I can see why," Yaeko said. She looked at him seriously. "What you have done is no small thing. It required some careful planning and maneuvering, usually not seen in someone so young."
"I've had a lot of good role models for that sort of thing," Harry said honestly.
Yaeko nodded. "You must have felt strongly about the situation to risk as much as you had."
"Chef Morimoto is an amazing chef and she gave me an incredible opportunity," he said stoutly. "I couldn't stand by and let what would have happened go, not if I could do something about it."
Yaeko's smile was warm. "Such loyalty, seriously given and lived up to. You are an excellent young man and I look forward to your culinary career with interest." She nodded and left, followed by the others and then some guards that appeared literally out of the shadows to follow her.
"Harry, thank you," Akari said. Her voice was thick with emotion and she looked at him with sincere gratitude. "I do not know if I could have performed nearly as well without your assistance."
"Glad I could help," Harry said. "What they tried to do wasn't right."
"No, it wasn't, and things will be different in the future," Akari said. She smiled at Hedwig. "And thank you too, Hedwig, for protecting us." Her smile grew at Hedwig's pleased expression and her smug hooting.
"She's the best," Harry praised as Hedwig rubbed her head against his, tugging on his hair lovingly.
"I owe you much, and there will be little that would be outside of reason," she said.
"Well, you said you'd show me some good places to eat and I imagine we're going to be working even harder to bring Shukaku back up, right?"
She laughed brightly. "Yes, we will. I will have to rebuild the staff with people I trust." She sobered slightly before smiling once more. "At least I have one person there that I trust without question and will help me rebuild." Her smile turned wry. "You. I am talking about you."
"I gathered," Harry said with a sheepish laugh. "I'm here and willing, Chef. I'm still here for some months and will keep doing my best."
"I have no doubts. I must also thank the ones that helped us ensure your place today. How did you become a retainer for the Aikawa's?"
"Akiko obaasan made me one."
She blinked at him. "You call her that?!"
"She calls me mago and she's awesome," Harry said proudly.
"Wow, she does not get along with many so easily." She groaned a little. "She is never going to let me live this down. She warned me about employing Chikao."
"Yeah, she'll do that," Harry grinned.
"You do know her well," Akari smiled.
"She's a lot like some others I consider to be grandparents. They never let people forget things either," Harry said, thinking of Durga and Perenelle fondly. "Especially when they're right."
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"Well good thing it ended well," Akiko said. She opened her eyes with feigned innocence. "Now if only someone had the foresight to tell you that this, or something like this, would happen and could have prevented all the headache and other aches in other parts of the body."
"You did, obaasan," Akari said through gritted teeth.
"What was that, Akari-Chan? I am very old and hard of hearing. You have to say it louder," Akiko said, smiling and speaking very loudly.
"You did obaasan!" Akari repeated loudly and wryly.
"Wow, I mean, obaasan can make anyone treat her with respect but I've never seen Chef act like that with anyone, not even her grand-uncle," Harry remarked.
Sota smiled. "Grandmother used to watch Akari-San when she was very little. That is how she gets away with calling her chan."
The families had gathered at Shukaku at Akari's invitation and there was a victory party going on. Akari thanked all the family heads profusely and had made a lot of wonderful food, with Harry's help of course, and the atmosphere was jovial and celebratory, with a smidge of Akiko taking Akari to task.
"I'm glad Hedwig helped stop Nakamura from sabotaging things," Tsumugi said as she fed a plump Hedwig who gobbled up the food and the accolades without reservation.
"Me too. After obaasan said that was a possibility, I had her wait in a tree and watch out for us. She caught him sneaking over but before he could do anything, she stunned him with a head smack and dragged him away by his tail and waited above the judges," Harry said proudly.
"All without being seen?" Chiyo asked, smiling.
"She's really good," Harry said and Hedwig barked loudly.
"He got what he deserved," Kaito said dismissively. "The Nakamuras lost a lot of face and prestige after this latest attempt at power grabbing. The Morimotos are even more against them and now that the Nakamuras have been shown that they can fail, others will not follow so easily."
"It is going to change things," Tsumugi nodded.
"Look at you, affecting Magical Japan," Sota smiled.
"I do that a lot it seems," Harry said wryly, shrugging a little. "Changing things when I don't mean to really."
"Do not feel bad, it is a good thing," Kaito said. "A very surprising thing, but not a bad thing." He snorted when he saw Azuki bring a plate of food and put it beside Harry and eat from it. "Then again, it really should not surprise me given how they treat you."
"They're good girls," Harry smiled, petting Azuki and Ebi who growled happily at the attention. Azuki daintily dropped something in his hand and Harry handed it to Kaito after looking at it quizzically for a moment.
"No, they are not," Kaito sighed, taking the piece of the gunpla model back as the others laughed.
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Hands Off MY Wolfie - Pretty much. That kind of mindset transcends societies and cultures sadly I would imagine. Thanks for reading.
Arnie1701 - That was the plan for them, yes.
DOOOOOOM Lord of Waffles - Enjoy.
iamchaos98 - And thus the battle is waged and won.
TheSphynx - And what a battle it was.
l4w - Something like that happens.
alix33 - Thank you.
odonnellzoo99 - He's learned from his friends, one of his greatest abilities. They would, and will be.
Shroudy9 - The only mercy Hedwig has is for Harry alone.
Lucy Elizabeth Dawson - Hope you enjoyed it..
SixFtWookie - Here it is.
HoneyBear84 - I'm sure, but hopefully the feeling becomes fondness in time.
poka - In ruins.