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

Hello all. Hope all are doing well.

I was going to do just a double post of Side Dishes and Champion of Fire, but decided to do a triple post of Side Dishes at least and might do a post tomorrow. It's been a while since I posted every day, back during the Advent Calendar, and it's been nice doing so. I'm really digging into both banks for it, and I haven't been able to write much at all lately, but I still have ample supply of both so a bit of a gift from me to all of you this week to celebrate earlier this week.

Have a lovely day!

-0-0-0-

Side Dishes

57th Course – Untraditionally Traditional

Takes place a year the 28th Course of Side Dishes, after the Winter Festival and after the Hearth had been open for a year and a few months.

"Chef, Monsieur Zabini wishes to visit with you," Chloe said, calling from the open window from the front of the house back into the kitchen.

"Of course," Harry called back from the pass. He looked up when Blaise walked in. "Hey!" he said with a smile, not turning away from finishing the plates before him.

"Hello Harry," Blaise said warmly, approaching and standing beside him, looking down with interest. He watched as Harry wiped plates clean easily with a cloth, adding last bits of garnish, checking the plates to ensure all the elements were there, and timing how things gathered and were sent out with the waiters and waitresses. Doing all of that while keeping an eye on the overall orders and calling them out to the others in the kitchen. "You make this look easy," he said.

"It's so hard," Mirra said from the side saute station. "I almost panic every time I'm running the pass."

"You do a good job and you'll get better in time," Harry said sincerely, making her beam.

"I am sure it is hard," Blaise nodded. "Simply stating Harry makes it look easy." He stepped back slightly when Aster brought over a tray full of small metal bowls and containers filled with prepared ingredients. "Whelp."

"Peacock," Aster replied, frowning at him. "You look gaudier every time I see you."

Blaise pulled on his cuffs lightly, straightening the sleeves of his charcoal grey shirt with dark red cuffs. "Maybe you should take more care in your appearance."

"I'm working in a kitchen," Aster retorted.

"I am aware," Blaise said mildly. "I meant in general."

"I'm going to stab you," Aster growled.

"You have always failed before so I am not worried," Blaise said smoothly, grinning at her. "Not even with Harry teaching you proper knife skills will you be able to do it. Not because he cannot teach, but because you will always fail."

"She's tried to stab you before?" Harry asked with some concern as Aster stomped away.

"More or less," Blaise said, waggling his hand.

"That should concern me, I feel," Harry said, making them laugh. "Would you like something to eat?"

"Yes, but I would like to discuss a bit of…business with you first," Blaise said slowly.

"Sounds serious," Harry said, frowning at Blaise. "Everything okay?"

"Yes, drat it all," Blaise sighed. "I am just a bit nervous about it. It is nothing terribly serious, but it is."

"Make sense, you cock!" Aster shouted from the cold prep area.

Harry smiled as Blaise threw a very rude hand gesture at Aster, making her fume. "We're about to hit a lull and I can step away for a few minutes." He continued to work and Blaise waited patiently, watching with sincere interest, until Harry finished. With Mirra at the pass, he and Blaise walked to his office and Harry sat down with a grunt, drinking deeply from a cup of water. "Right, so what's going on?"

Blaise sat down across from him, crossing one leg over the other, and folded his hands, resting them in his lap. The normally cool and slightly distant expression he normally kept faded slightly and he looked a bit nervous. "I want to make a formal reservation and have you cook for it, obviously."

"Of course but you all never had to be this formal about it," Harry said with some confusion. "Unless it was for something super formal. Is this one of those times?"

Blaise sighed again and rubbed his eyes. "No, not technically, but I am more nervous about this one. It is rather…difficult."

"Okay," Harry said slowly.

Blaise snorted. "I forgot who I was talking to for a moment. If there is anyone that will not judge and be wholly understanding, it is you."

"I try," Harry grinned.

Blaise smiled a little too. "It will be for Mother."

"I don't see what the problem is," Harry said.

Blaise sighed deeply again. "Have you heard of her…reputation?"

"I'm assuming not the reputation about her eye for fashion and art and how elegant she is." Harry leaned back slightly. "Which I know, of course, and seen first-hand." He grinned again. "I've also seen her first thing in the morning wearing sweats too so that does kind of put a pin into the elegance."

Blaise chuckled. "She does love sweat clothes at home now, despite the terrible name. And count yourself lucky, she does not show that side of her to many, not without considerable affection and trust."

"I love Auntie Tina," Harry said honestly and sincerely.

"And she adores you," Blaise smiled. He sighed again, his good humor fading. "You are not wrong. I am referring to the other reputation. The one that comes from being wedded seven times and having continued on after said seven times."

"Oh, I've heard that, but never thought to ask because it didn't seem like it was any of my business," Harry said. "I mean, she's been nothing but kind and sweet to me. You and I are good friends. Pansy and Millie love her, as do Tracey, Daphne, Aster, and Astoria. Nate and Owen too. So I never thought anything of it."

"You are a good man," Blaise said seriously. He rubbed his face. "It can be a sore point." He looked at Harry. "I ask that you do not share any of what I am about to tell you."

"You don't have to explain anything you don't feel comfortable to," Harry said gently.

"I trust you," Blaise said simply. "That and context is important here." He took a deep breath. "She really has…had seven husbands." His countenance darkened and Harry blinked at the severe coldness that Blaise exuded. "She was more or less sold when she was much younger, around our age."

"What the fuck," Harry gasped.

Blaise nodded grimly. "By her family to a 'family friend' to be his wife. It was not her decision and it ended terribly. She had to defend herself and he died and she did not."

"Good," Harry said, frowning mightily.

Blaise blinked at the vehemence and his smile eased his tension. "It amuses me and pleases me to see you look like that and say that."

"Like I said, I love her," Harry said.

Blaise nodded, feeling better. "Fortunately for her, it was clear self-defense but her family essentially cast her out because of it. Something about losing face and the negativity surrounding it." He nodded at Harry's look of disgust.

"Is that the same family you all see at the holidays or when you go back to Italy?" Harry asked sympathetically.

"Yes," Blaise said shortly. "Luckily, the majority of the elders that were in the decision-making process have either died or are cut off. My great grand-uncle is the patriarch and has tried to make amends with Mother in the years since, but it is too little and too late in my mind for the majority of them."

"I don't blame you, or her," Harry said sadly.

"While she was cast out, she had nothing," Blaise said. "She managed to obtain some of the estate from her first former husband but his family took the majority. Mother had to work hard to survive while having garnered such a reputation already."

Blaise shook his head. "Thus she wed others. The next was a man many many years her senior and she knew that it was more for companionship and comfort but he did truly love her and she did in return. When he passed naturally, he ensured his other family were taken care of but did the same for her. He felt bad for her, he said, and had hoped he provided some stability and comfort to her. The others came and went, mostly rushed relationships and attempts at propriety, but differences in personality always proved the knell to the end. A couple were marriages of convenience with amicable divorces once certain conditions were met."

His countenance darkened once more. "My father was number six," he said shortly. "He decided he did not wish to be a father and left when I was very young." He sighed at Harry's look of sympathy. "I have no recollection of him, and have never felt a desire to make his acquaintance once more. Mother was more than parent enough."

"As someone who was never wanted by blood family, I can relate," Harry said quietly.

"I know you can," Blaise said with shared sympathy. He coughed. "Number seven, well, let us say that he is the only other man Mother dealt with like the first one. He…did not like the fact that I existed and he and Mother had an agreement about him having his own children with her and he tried to hurt me."

"Huh, while knowing how Auntie Tina is?" Harry asked, shaking his head. "What an idiot."

"Even you know," Blaise said with grim humor. "But yes, he was dealt with and Mother swore off relationships of a serious nature for a long time, at least until I was no longer a child."

"She's strong," Harry said with respect. "Also, two out of seven? That's not fair if that's what got her the reputation."

"That is what I said!" Blaise said indignantly and the two men laughed together.

"I guess that is how it goes sometimes," Harry said. "Auntie Ari has a joke about a bridge builder and construction man being called something after having relations with a-"

"Ah yes, I know that one," Blaise chuckled richly. "That is a good one." He sobered some. "But as you might imagine, I am a bit more sensitive when it comes to Mother and her happiness."

"I can understand that," Harry said, nodding.

"And we are about to go back to Italy to see family, or what I call the annual trip to Familial Hell," Blaise said dryly, making Harry snort and laugh. "So I wanted to give her something nice to experience before we go."

"You're a good son," Harry said.

Blaise smiled a little. "I try to be," he said quietly. He coughed again, turning formal and serious again. "So yes, I would like to request something formal, something a bit more involved. Perhaps something like a formal multi-course dinner or a kaiseki dinner."

"I can definitely do that," Harry said. "Just for you two?"

"No, for as many that can come, our friends and family. I will obtain an official headcount," Blaise said. "And I will pay for it at cost and will compensate you fairly. This is business."

"And you and Auntie Tina aren't business," Harry protested. "At cost for the ingredients, sure, and a little something on top or at least the usual pay for any staff that helps me. But I'm not charging you more, especially not after you shared all that with me. I don't think everyone knows all of that, do they?"

"Not completely," Blaise said quietly. "Thank you, Harry."

"Of course. Like I said, you're a good friend and Auntie Tina is well, Auntie Tina," Harry said.

"She and Aunt Rose still fight about that, you know," Blaise smiled.

"I do, they get into it a lot, especially after a few drinks," Harry grinned. "Is there something special that you two do for holidays, or a tradition? I know you don't love your family in Italy, and don't blame you at all, but are there some traditions or things you two like?"

Blaise thought for a moment. "Well, there is one thing. I am not sure how involved it is because the family there use the house elves to do it, but there is this." He explained the details to Harry and Harry took notes, nodding. "I am sorry I do not know more. I suppose I could ask our house elf or send a message to the family over there I do actually like."

"No, this is plenty, I think I know what I can do," Harry said confidently, looking over his notes. "I'll just do a bit of research and I'll make it something more for you two."

Blaise felt much better. "Thank you, Harry. Sincerely."

"Glad to help," Harry beamed.

-0-

"What's this?" Valentina asked, holding up a box.

"It appears to be a box," Blaise drawled. "Velvet, probably holding something metal and expensive within." He frowned when she gently swatted him with it. "You know it is bad manners to use a gift as a tool to hit someone with, especially the giver."

"I taught you your manners," Valentina scolded. She rolled her eyes at her son and opened it, sighing at the bracelet within. "Oh my, this is lovely."

"It better be," Blaise said with a small frown. "I ordered it from Clan StoneHeart and had many enchantments put on it."

"What have you done?" Valentina asked suspiciously, narrowing her eyes at him. "Why did you get me this?"

"It is Christmas, Mother," Blaise sighed, looking up at the roof as if seeing past it and into the heavens. "A son should be able to gift his mother something without her thinking anything nefarious."

"I know you," she said, giving him a look.

"I have done nothing save be accused of bad things by simply wanting to spoil my mother," Blaise said dryly.

"Well, thank you then," she said, smiling prettily at him, making him snort deeply. She put it on and admired it. "It's gorgeous and feels warming and incredible."

"The best of the goblin clans and enchanted by the Flamels," Blaise said smugly.

"Normally that would cost an inordinate amount," Valentina said with a big smile.

"It does pay to know someone to avoid things like that," Blaise said even more smugly. "I still paid handsomely for it, but well worth the cost and effort and I can rest easy knowing that things were not overcharged."

"Even better," she smiled. She looked at him. "Why did you really get it for me?"

"Because I care about you," Blaise said shortly.

"And we're about to go on our annual trip to Hell," Valentina sighed.

"That too," Blaise admitted.

"Blaise, you need to stop feeling bad about how the family treats me," she said gently.

"I will not. Any offense to you is offense to me," Blaise said stubbornly. "And I will fight wand and spell to defend your honor and mine."

"I can defend my own honor," she sighed.

"I know you can. And I know why you do not," Blaise said. "But that does not keep me from doing so."

"Maybe we should stop going," Valentina said sadly.

"And let them win?" Blaise said even more dryly.

"Okay, maybe I shouldn't have kept saying that to you when you were younger," she conceded.

"We are Zabinis, therefore, stubborn and prone to do things that are not good for us," he said in a sing-song way, the way something sounds when repeated time and again.

"I shouldn't have taught you that," she said with a half-laugh.

"At least things are a little better," Blaise said after a moment of silence. "It's now tolerable. Barely."

"For sure." Valentina wrapped her arms around him and he hugged her back hard. "Thank you, my son."

"I love you, Mother."

"I love you very much," she said, kissing his cheeks. She held his face in her hands and she smiled proudly at him through eyes slightly wet. "I am very proud of you, you know."

"I do," he whispered.

"Now when are you going to be honest and stop pretending you and Parvati don't have feelings for one another?" she asked seriously.

He flushed and rolled his eyes. "Because we do not have feelings for one another."

"Fine, I can wait."

"Much like I can wait for you to be in a relationship, no matter what you say," he replied snidely.

"Son, I have many casual and very fulfilling physical relationships," she said, grinning at his groaning and retching. "Many in fact. I just do not tell you."

"Thank Merlin for that," he groaned. "Please do not say more, I do not want to lose my appetite for dinner tonight."

"Where are we going by the way? You never said."

"To your favorite restaurant."

"Oh good!" Valentina smiled. "Why are we dressed up then? For us, Hedwig's Hearth is casual. That's part of the reason why I love it so."

"Because it is more of a dinner party," Blaise said, amused. "You and I are going early for a tasting."

"I do love that boy too," Valentina gushed. "No need to feel jealous."

"I was not."

"I love you the most."

"Thank you, Mother.

"You're my sweetest baby boy."

"Mother."

-0-

"There's my other boy!" Valentina hugged Harry tightly, kissing him on the cheek.

"Hi Auntie Tina," Harry grinned, hugging her back. He looked at Blaise and chuckled at his friend's look of suffering. "Right on time."

"Where is everyone?" Valentina asked, looking around the empty restaurant.

"We opened a little earlier and did a short shift for business," Harry said, leading them to the table in the kitchen. "Then we had a quick clean and everyone helped prepare for tonight's menu. Those that wanted off went home after and the others are taking a break before coming back for the party."

"I did not intend for you to lose business," Blaise said guiltily, flushing at Valentina's frown.

"Don't worry about that," Harry soothed. "We're fine."

"You're not working during the party, are you?" Valentina asked with another frown.

"No more than refilling things and making more of things," Harry said. "Mirra and Guy are coming back to work with Inky, Willie, and Nillie. I just wanted you two to come early for a tasting and make sure it's to your liking before we cook everything later. It'll be mostly family-style serving anyways."

"I can't imagine it not being wonderful," Valentina snorted.

"Well, it's a bit different so just wanted to make sure it's authentic enough to a degree," Harry said. "It's mostly based on an Italian tradition: the Feast of Seven Fishes."

"You went through the trouble to do that?" Valentina asked, eyes wide and shining.

"Wasn't any trouble at all. It was fun reading about it and researching," Harry said. "I messaged Mr. Leomattok and Chef Rocko and they gave me a lot of good information too, same with Chef Tony. It's a tradition they do in Southern Italy and in America. My version is a bit different from both, but I kept the spirit where there will be seven different dishes, low dairy and other meat to observe the origins of no meat before Christmas, as well as doing things I know you like."

After seating them, Harry stepped to the station close to the table. He worked at it with his usual efficiency and a pot of oil on the stove crackled and sizzled as he dropped things into it delicately. In minutes, he pulled them out with long chopsticks and came back over with a plate of crispy shrimp with delicate batter coatings. "First dish: shrimp tempura and vegetables with a dashi and soy dipping sauce. So yes, not Italian or American, but it's one of my favorite ways to eat shrimp. And veg if I'm being honest."

"No arguments here," Valentina smiled, biting into the crispy shrimp without hesitation. The batter crunched between her teeth and the shrimp was plump and sweet. The sauce was lightly seasoned and slightly sweet and savory, soaking into the shrimp easily. Sweet potato, onion, carrot, and mushrooms were also fried with the shrimps.

"Second, seared scallops in a butter sauce with some dressed greens." Harry presented a plate of round scallop with golden brown crusts. Small greens rested on top, fresh and lightly dressed in oil and vinegar. "Something light and simple with a bit of vinegar to cut through the butter."

"Delicious," Blaise said, chewing delicately and looking very satisfied.

"Third dish, decidedly not Italian again, but we are British," he said with a sheepish grin that made Blaise and Valentina laugh. "I can't not enjoy fish and chips so here is mine! You've had it before but I did a batter like tempura batter for something lighter and some of our chips. A nice malt vinegar and made our house ketchup for the chips on the side."

"No complaints here," Valentina smiled as she ate. "Mmm, the normal thicker beer batter is good but I do like the tempura style too!"

"Since there are multiple dishes and we had a nice fried dish already, I thought them being similar in texture would be nice and help carry the theme through while not being too heavy," Harry explained. He went back to the stove and finished cooking a dish and brought it back over. "This one is definitely Italian inspired: Linguine Vongole, linguine with clam sauce."

"Oh that smells nice," Blaise admired, looking at the dish. It was a delicate pile of flat broad noodles with whole clams spread through, still in the shell. The smell of the sea filled the air with a hint of bright lemon and fresh parsley.

"A pasta with clams is a traditional part of the feast I think," Harry said.

"It is and it tastes wonderful," Valentina said, eating delicately but enthusiastically. "Mmm, the clams are so fresh and delicious. The pasta has a great chew to it."

"Next, again, not traditional, but it's honestly one of my favorite ways to have fish," Harry said, bringing over a whole steamed fish and smelling heavily of soy and oil and sesame. "Cantonese steamed fish."

"Mine too," Blaise smiled. As he and Valentina ate a bowl of piping hot white rice with large portions of soft tender steamed fish with the soy and sesame and scallion and chili, Harry stirred two large pots carefully before dishing them into two large serving bowls. As he walked over, Valentina sniffed the air, smiling a little before her eyes widening.

"I know that smell," she gasped.

"The last two dishes look similar but are different in the details," Harry said, putting both between Valentina and Blaise. "This one is French and it's called bouillabaisse. It was founded in Marseille and it's a seafood soup made with rockfish and it was served before with the fish in it or even on the side. Traditionally there are sea robin, red rascasse, and conger fish but also can have others and mussels and other shellfish. Served with bread and rouille, a sauce that's like a mayonnaise. We had it during the TriWizard, if you remember Blaise."

"I do actually," Blaise nodded.

"But this one is called a few different things based on where you're getting it from," Harry said, pointing at the other dish. The broth was a rich red and had bits of pieces of fish floating within alongside mussels and shrimp and bread and butter. "In America, on the West Coast, immigrants made this and called it Cioppino. In Liguria, it's called ciuppin and it's similar to cacciucco from Tuscany. Apparently it was made from the bits of fish that were left over, that were torn off, which is what the word means, to tear. While both are really similar, I think they stand on their own separately and are lovely in their own way. But I really wanted to try and make a solid Italian seafood soup for this."

"The Zabinis are from close to Tuscany," Valentina said, staring at the cacciucco with eyes wide and wondering.

"I made sure to include five different kinds of fish, one for each C in the name," Harry said shyly. "Chef Rocko even sent me a sea stone to put into it, it's tradition." He flushed when she stared at him.

"Blaise told you of our background, didn't he?" she asked softly.

Harry nodded. "He did, he wanted me to understand how important this is, and I think I do. And I wanted to make sure it's good and really conveys what I think and feel." He and Blaise watched with mild apprehension as she took a bite of the soup.

She sipped deeply from her spoon, rolling the flavors around over tongue. The soup broth was rich with tomato, wine, and fish stock. Crushed red pepper, black pepper, garlic, thyme, and parsley accompanied the rich flavors of the stock. The fish and crab and clams and calamari in the soup were tender and sweet and savory, all different in taste and texture and harmonized with the soup. The bread was toasted and the rich salted butter enhanced the broth and the meat, adding volume and crunch.

"This is the best cacciucco I've ever had," she said, her eyes slightly wet.

"Oh thank goodness," Harry said, deeply relieved.

"You really went through all this trouble?" she asked.

"Wasn't any trouble," Harry said. He shrugged a little. "I've learned that every cook and chef treats authenticity slightly differently. Some want to make it exactly as the dish originated. Others want to put their own spin on things. I've obviously not stayed to strict tradition because I added French, Japanese, and British food to an Italian or Italian-American tradition. But overall, I just want food to be good, to be warming, and to be respectful of their cultures."

He smiled. "And like I said, it was really important for Blaise for you to have a really good meal and something comforting, and it's really important for me too for the same reasons. We just want you to be happy and cared for."

Valentina drew Blaise into her arms for a strong hug, squeezing the air from him. Then she did the same to Harry and put an arm around the both of them. "My boys," she said, her voice thick and heavy. "I love my boys."

"Love you too, Mother," Blaise said quietly.

"Love you, Auntie Tina," Harry said firmly.

She finally let them go and dabbed at her eyes. "Well, I hope you made plenty because I'm going to eat all of this and want more later," she said, eyes shining.

Harry laughed. "We got plenty."

"The desserts are not fish themed, are they?" Blaise teased.

"I was going to do little fruit pies with them in the shape of fish, but Hedwig ate the prototype and Guy gave me that look when I'm having too much fun," Harry said and Valentina and Blaise laughed brightly with him joining them. "But there's tiramisu, affogato, and panna cotta for dessert so there's plenty!"

-0-

"Valentina."

Valentina stopped and turned, inclining her head slightly. "Prozio," she said.

Angelo Zabini smiled at her. The man was undeniably old. His hair was thin and grey, wrinkles threaded with scars on his hands and face. He wore very expensive looking dress robes and held a cane in one hand. His eyes however glittered with energy, latent and active. "Can I convince you to stay longer?" he asked.

"You may try, of course," Valentina said, eyes slightly merry but hard as iron beneath, her smile sweet.

Angelo sighed wearily. "I had hoped they would have seen the error of their ways."

"No, you didn't."

He snorted. "I had hoped they would remain civil, then," he amended.

"As much as anyone can be," she allowed. "And they were for long enough. But civility is all too ready to have back home so I need not travel here for it."

"This is your home too," he said softly and painfully.

"No, it is not," she said coolly but without accusation. "It has not been for a very long time."

"I had hoped that would change, in time," he said sadly.

"I know, and I don't hate you for it," she said, hugging him. "I appreciate all that you do, Prozio, but some things stay broken and distant."

"You are not broken," he said angrily.

"I never said I was," she replied smoothly. She smiled as he shook his head wryly. "Besides, we must go home. I have plans already made for some time now that I will not miss."

"I see."

"You are always welcome to visit, Prozio," she said softly. "And some others."

"I will take you up on that," he said.

"Good, I will take you to the best restaurant in the world."

"Italian?" he asked, looking intrigued.

"No, but he does cook Italian things well," Valentina said fondly. "My other boy is the chef and owner." She laughed brightly at his double take. "Not my blood or name, but one I consider as close as."

"Ah, I see," Angelo said, rubbing his chest. "That is good, speaks well of him then."

"Speaking of my boy, it is best we leave now before he and his cousins fight more." Valentina's smile was full of pride. "No need for him to continue to crush them more in the dueling circle."

"He is talented," Angelo nodded, also proud. "He and the Accetta girl would be a good match."

"Perhaps," Valentina said, waving the observation aside negligently. "Save for the fact that she came with the other one. Isn't that how the fight started? Her making eyes at him and making little Matteo jealous?" She smirked at Angelo's sigh. "Also, even if he does not admit it, he is close to another girl back home and I personally like her and her family so I will let that determine itself first."

"That is good," Angelo repeated. "And you?"

"You will have to find out when and if that happens," she said pertly.

"I only want to make sure you are taken care of," Angelo said lamely.

She smiled at him. "I am, do not worry about that."

-0-

"Well, as far as trips to Hell go, that was the most pleasant one in a long time," Valentina said. She and Blaise had just returned back to Britain via Portkey and had taken the Floo at the Ministry to come back to their home in London.

"It was," Blaise said with surprise and satisfaction. He looked at her. "Did they treat you well?"

"No better than before, save for Prozio and the usual. I found it easier to ignore the others though," she said glibly. She smiled at him. "Good job in not taking things too far."

"Matteo and the others are little bitches," Blaise grumbled, making Valentina laugh merrily. "Millicent could take them all with just her club. Astoria and Aster would make them weep blood just by talking to them. It was not my fault his date kept looking at me."

"No it was not," she agreed. "Though you were the best dressed."

"Of course I was," Blaise said, smoothing his robes fussily. "I am glad fashion sense came with you because it seems it skipped the others."

"Your taste in wine could use some work," she smiled.

"My taste in wine is fine," he sniffed. "Yours, however, can be discussed." He shied away from her fingers as she poked him. They sat together in soft silence for a few moments. "We did come back early," he remarked, looking at the clock on the wall. "It is not the middle of the night for once."

"I rather leave there late and come back here slightly less late," she said. She hummed softly. "Are you hungry?"

He blinked. "I suppose I could eat," he said. He smiled and shook his head when she eagerly summoned a small mirror from her bag.

"Hedwig's Hearth," she said into it, bouncing up and down in her seat.

"Bonsoir Madame Tina!" Chloe's image appeared in the mirror and she smiled out of it. The restaurant had a mirror solely for communication between the families and the friends.

"Bonsoir Chloe!" Valentina said brightly. "I know it's a bit late, but is there a table for two? Or even the bar?"

"We are full on the floor, but hold one moment." Chloe disappeared for a moment before returning. "Chef says to come over. The back table is open for you and Monsieur Zabini."

"Thank you! Oh by the way, why do you call Blaise that?" Valentina asked. "I've been meaning to ask."

"Because he annoys me and it annoys him," Chloe said unashamedly.

"Fair enough, we'll be right over!" Valentina smiled as the mirror showed her reflection once more. "What did you do to Chloe?"

"Nothing," Blaise said shortly. "She just joins the list of women that like to aggravate me. Like all the others. Go on ahead, I am going to change first."

Valentina threw a handful of Floo powder into the fire and stepped into it, calling out her destination right before she did. The fire whisked her away and she stepped through the Floo at the other end, cleaning herself daintily of soot and ash. She stepped out of the small Floo room into the kitchen and smiled as she saw that things were still moving at a smooth pace, full of motion and good smells and laughter and chatter.

"Hi Auntie Tina!" Aster hugged her briefly in passing.

"Hello dear!" After a hug and a kiss, Valentina walked to the pass, greeting the rest of the Brigade, and waited for Harry to finish a tray of plates and send them out.

"I thought you were still in Italy," Harry said, wiping his hands clean and returning her enthusiastic hug.

"Just got back minutes ago and found myself hungry for good food and better people," she said, kissing him on the cheek.

"Well we got plenty of both here," Harry said, smiling at her. "Welcome home!"

"It's good to be home," she sighed happily.

-0-0-0-

odonnellzoo99 - Such a Hedwigism right? Hedwig happily joining the scrap between Lavender and Parvati and then chasing after them will never not be funny to me.

Hands Off MY Wolfie - Security and head and butt bouncer fits nicely under Owl de Cuisine honestly. He really did learn a lot during his trip and not just cooking things for sure. Thanks for reading.

alix33 - Thank you, it really was a nice and cozy one.

poka - The thing now is that the website is saying you are leaving the reviews on other chapters. So sometimes I miss them when going back which is irritating. Ah well. There are worse things to worry about for sure.

TheSphynx - They're so fun to revisit and write. I've had a lot of complaints regarding them, but I won't stop them. I feel like I add enough to them to warrant their inclusion.

mike3308 - He's back home where he belongs.