I do not own Harry Potter, the Wizarding World, or any canon characters.
Hello everyone, hope all are well. I had a question for you fine folk. I am about 20 chapters in the bank for both this and Champion, though the difference is that Champion if finished completely and I still have much I want to do for Side Dishes. As of right now, I am committing to a two updates a week schedule with the occasional third with Extended Family once a month or so. I intended on maintaining my big bank to have a minimum of 5 months or so worth of updates. That said, would you all rather a regular third update a week and have a more diminished longevity of posts? I would probably alternate between Side and Champion for the extra update. I originally also intended to have the bank to work and completely finish my next work before I start posting it, but with my work schedule and the fact that I don't even really have a next project lined up, that is sort of moot.
As always, I write for all of you so I'm doing an impromptu poll. I maintain the right to disregard said poll, just being honest here, but value your input nonetheless. As always, my best to all of you. Have a lovely day!
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Side Dishes
59th Course – Reaping what was Sown
Takes place about half a year after the 173rd Course of Taste, after Hedwig's Hearth had been open for several months.
"I hope I never get tired of this," Angelina said with a smile from ear to ear. She waved at the two smaller girls who waved back enthusiastically, clutching photographs to their chest.
"You do for some people," Lisa Frees said with a wry smile. "Depending on the person who asks you for an autograph and how they ask it."
"Especially the creepy blokes," Gina Pals said with a shudder. She grinned. "But you don't have trouble saying no to them." She and Lisa laughed as Angelina blushed a little.
"I still feel a little bad," Angelina sighed.
"Don't," Lisa said flatly. "He deserved that kick in the arse after he touched yours. What a kick though! You punted him like 10 feet!"
"I'm still relatively new on the team," Angelina said, preening slightly. "I was worried what Coach would say."
"Coach hates those types too so that's why her 'warning' was barely any bark and no bite," Gina snickered. "But I still love signing stuff for kids, especially little girls that want to be Quidditch players. And I've been in the League for years now, so don't worry."
"That's good," Angelina said with a big sigh. She blinked when she saw someone wave from a small distance away and she smiled again, waving back. "Hey Harry!" She walked over and when he saw her do that, Harry stopped and waited, smiling back at her. Gina and Lisa followed her with interest.
"Hi Angelina!" Harry said, smiling at her. "Awesome game the other day. We had it playing on the wireless during service."
"You did?" Angelina gasped.
"Sure did! Mirra, she's one of my Brigade members, is really getting into Quidditch and I told her that I went to school with you and Oliver and we follow Tutshill and Puddlemere the most. We play your games in the back when we can so we can listen and cheer for you. I even got one of your pins to put on the wall in the back."
Angelina blinked, eyes glinting. "That's so sweet," she said, feeling very touched. She coughed at the shocked looks Lisa and Gina were giving her, flushing. "Oh sorry, let me introduce you all. Harry, this is Lisa Frees and Gina Pals, my fellow Chasers on the Tornadoes and my closest friends on the team. Lisa, Gina, this is Harry Potter. We were in Gryffindor together, he's a couple years under me."
Lisa did a double-take when she shook Harry's hand. "Harry? Harry Potter?! The Chef?"
Harry's face transformed when she clarified her statement, turning from a mild wince to a smile. "That's me," he said. "It's really nice to meet you two."
"The chef?" Gina repeated.
Lisa nodded eagerly. "Yeah! He's the chef and owner of Hedwig's Hearth! It's the best restaurant in the country and it's getting so much attention from all around Europe and America even!"
"Lisa is a foodie," Angelina grinned.
"I haven't had a chance to come yet because of our practice and game schedules and reservations are hard to come by," Lisa sighed.
Harry looked at them. "One moment." He pulled out a mirror. "Hedwig's Hearth."
After a moment, Chloe's image appeared. "Allo, Chef."
"Allo, Chloe. How are we looking tonight on availability?"
Chloe hummed, looking to one side. "Mostly full, but not completely."
"Are you three available tonight?" Harry asked the Tutshill Tornadoes Chasers.
"Seriously?!" Lisa gasped with Angelina and Gina looking equally astounded. "I am!"
"Same," Gina said with Angelina nodding.
"Set aside a table for three please," Harry said to Chloe as the Chasers squealed happily. "Put a star on it. One of them is my friend from school and it'll be with her friends too."
"Oui, Chef. Of course," Chloe said. The mirror's surface shimmered once more, showing Harry's image instead.
"Oh my gosh thank you so much!" Lisa said loudly, eyes shining. "What's the dress code? If I need to get some proper dress robes, I'll go right now!"
Harry laughed. "Friends can dress comfortably," he said.
"You still count me as one?" Angelina asked softly.
"I mean, I never stopped," Harry said, turning sheepish. "You were nice to me when I started at Hogwarts, never made me feel bad about cooking and all that. Am I being presumptuous about that? Sorry-"
"No!" Angelina nearly shouted. "I mean, no. I always liked you too and I'm just really happy."
Harry smiled with relief. "Oh good! I mean, yeah, I always thought we were friends. Even when you tried to get me to quit cooking so I'd join the Quidditch team."
"You what?!" Lisa and Gina gasped, staring at their teammate and friend.
"I was mostly kidding!" Angelina protested, face reddening. She smiled through a scowl and playfully shoved a laughing Harry. "You knew that!"
"I did," Harry nodded. "I have to get going, was doing a last-minute errand before service started tonight, but will see you all later!" He waved and walked off at a quick pace.
"I can't believe we are just getting to go to one of the best and newest places in the country just like that!" Lisa said, giddy in voice and body. "Reservation only! I've been dreaming of going since they opened!"
"It's really sweet that he's always thought of you like a friend, even for so long," Gina smiled at Angelina.
Angelina's smile was broad and warm. "It really is," she said softly.
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Chloe looked up from the desk in the entryway and smiled. "Bonsoir, welcome to Hedwig's Hearth."
"Thank you," Angelina said, smiling back. "We have a reservation? Oh uh, probably my name. Angelina Johnson?"
"Ah yes, here you are. Special guests. Follow me, please." Chloe led the trio into the restaurant proper and they looked around, admiring the homey décor and the feeling of the atmosphere.
"This looks so different compared to the old Hog's Head," Gina said, looking around with wonder.
"It really does," Angelina said. "We came often when Harry worked here on Hogsmeade days but it feels so nice and warm in here." She sat and gave Chloe a sheepish look. "We're not causing any extra work or trouble, are we? I really didn't want to give off the 'we're pro athletes and make unreasonable demands or special consideration' or something like that."
Chloe smiled warmly. "Oh, do not worry. We ignore those types here. We have refused service to any who think they can throw around any kind of authority at all. Chef only accommodates who he wishes to."
"So it is true," Lisa gasped. "Remember Grendels complaining that one time at one of the League functions? About not getting to keep his reservation here?"
"Oh right!" Gina said.
"Grendels?" Chloe asked, raising an eyebrow.
"Tanned, short blonde hair, thinks he's Merlin's gift to women?" Angelina said, making a face. "Barely passable Seeker, plays for the Arrows."
"Oh him." Chloe's deep snort delighted the other women. "He never had a reservation to begin with. Swaggered in and demanded a table and was thrown out without hesitation or consideration. And I have refused to give him one since. He has no reason to swagger at all."
"I like you," Angelina smiled.
"Chef speaks very warmly of you," Chloe smiled back. "Here you are, the menus. Someone will arrive to take your orders when you are ready." Chloe walked away and listened closely to Julia before nodding and replying in French.
"Looks like a solid restaurant," Gina said, looking about. The tables were mostly full with parties ranging from two to even ten. There were a few people sitting alone, reading or doing work while eating, and the bar had patrons eating and drinking there as well. Julia, Henri, Willie, and Nillie moved about easily taking orders and delivering food. Music played through a wireless and the environment was warm and merry.
"Oh hello!" Nillie appeared at the table and she smiled up at Angelina. "Nillie remembers you!"
"Oh hey, yeah you worked here when it was still Hog's Head," Angelina said with another smile.
"That's Nillie! Is much nicer now too. Steady busy and food is good and always new food. And Harry is much less grumpy than Master Abe." Nillie took out a small metal slate and tapped it with her stylus. "What would Misses be liking?"
"What do you recommend?" Gina asked. "We've never been here before."
"Any things Misses not like or can't have?" Nillie asked.
"I like seafood more than chicken or most other meat," Gina said.
"I get a little sick if I have too much dairy at once," Lisa said. "But I really don't care about that at all, it'll be worth it and I can take a potion when I get home."
"Nillie always recommends the potstickers and the chicken soup," Nillie said. "Chicken soup is same from Hog's Head but even better. Potstickers are pork filling and pan-fried. Very good! Our best fish is steamed fish, Cantonese style. Is spicy but can do less spicy if Miss wants. Steak frites is special of the Hearth. Beef stew too but we have new special right now: pork chops! Stuffed with mushrooms and pan seared and finished in oven. Served with potato and salad."
The trio ordered and watched as Nillie put the order to the kitchen, tapping her metal slate to a large metal sheet pinned to the wall. Drinks came in the form of water and tankards of ale and they sipped appreciatively.
"Oh this is good," Angelina said, licking her lips. "Just bitter enough and not too heavy."
"I wonder where they get it," Gina said, sipping again.
In a short time, a large platter of potstickers came with a small tray with soy sauce, vinegar, and chili oil along with three small bowls of chicken soup. The women tucked in without stinting, eating hungrily.
"Oh these taste exactly like how I thought they would," Lisa said with a happy sigh. "I got the Gourmancy with the big spread when the restaurant opened and practically drooled over it."
"Yeah that chili oil is no joke," Gina coughed. "Right up your street Angie."
"Let me at it," Angelina grinned.
The main courses arrived with Lisa getting the steak frites, Angelina the pork chop special, and Gina ordering the steamed fish. Exclamations of delight filled the air when the food appeared, delivered by a smiling Julia. They ate hungrily despite having finished the potstickers and soup to bare plate.
"This is incredible," Lisa said, gobbling the frites. "I've had this in France a few times and this is as good if not better than some! The pepper sauce is so tasty!"
"This might be my new favorite way to eat fish!" Gina said, eating the fish with rice and liberally covered with the accompanying sauce.
"You know, I'm usually not one for a lot of mushroom, but these are really good," Angelina said. "They pair with the pork and the pork isn't dry at all." They shared bites with one another but once again, the plates were eaten bare, with nary a crumb remaining.
"How's everything?"
"So good," Angelina said, smiling at Harry who had approached. "Better than what I remember you doing while at school! You've gotten so good!"
Harry smiled proudly. "I hope so! I learned from some really great chefs."
"Thank you so much," Lisa said, eyes shining. "I've been wanting to come for so long and it's just as good as I hoped, better even!"
"Thanks! I hope you saved room for dessert," Harry said, revealing a tray he was holding. "Nillie mentioned you were, I'm thinking lactose intolerant? She said dairy makes you sick sometimes."
"Oh yeah, but I was going to deal with it," Lisa said, surprised.
Harry chuckled. "Well these don't have dairy in them so you don't have to worry. Lemon sorbet and apple tarts, well the tart shells have a smidge of butter, hope that's okay. Wouldn't want you to get sick."
"I love you," Lisa exclaimed.
"Don't tell Vinny," Gina said, making them laugh.
"I can love other people for other reasons!" Lisa said indignantly.
"At least once a week or so, we have locals only," Harry said softly to Angelina. "Basically people who live here in the village or my friends. No outside reservations. It can get a bit busier but if you don't mind the wait, you're welcome to come and eat. But if you ever want to ask for a reservation for another night, send me a message, I'll try to work things out."
He winked at Lisa and Gina. "And you're welcome too, with Angelina of course."
"Guess we can't let you go or trade you," Gina laughed.
"Job security at its finest," Lisa said. "But if it means I can come here, I'm fine keeping you around."
"Thanks," Angelina said dryly, making the other two snort and laugh. She smiled at Harry. "Thanks Harry, I really appreciate it." She brightened when he shyly held an arm up and she hugged him tightly, making him cough.
"Of course! I'm glad I saw you at Diagon."
"Why didn't you come over?" she asked.
He shrugged. "You were already mobbed with people, I didn't want to bother." He coughed again when she hugged him hard once more.
"Oh hey, I brought this for you and…Mirra? That was their name, right?" Angelina held up some jerseys and things.
"Oh thanks! And yeah, Mirra's her name. She's practically my second in the kitchen. Actually, she'd love meeting you. Do you mind?"
"Not at all!" Angelina watched Harry leave and go back to the kitchen. Her eyes widened when Mirra came out and she looked at the goblin woman with some surprise, especially seeing how nervous Mirra looked.
"Hi!" Mirra shook Angelina's hand eagerly. "Wow, you're even taller than I thought you were!"
Angelina grinned. "I get that a lot," she laughed. "It's nice to meet you."
"Same! Chef said you were friends and I love listening to your games and I've seen a few of your plays in the paper. I wasn't a big fan of Quidditch until I started working here, and I watched it in person for the first time at Hogwarts. Chef and I put on the games when it's not too busy and I love listening to your team the most."
"Well we're fans of yours now," Lisa said brightly. "The food here is amazing!"
"Isn't it?! Chef's the best," Mirra said proudly. "Chef said you guys can stay later if you want and we'll send you more things to try if you like."
"I'm not going anywhere," Gina smiled. She watched Mirra go back to the kitchen, hugging the jersey that Angelina had given her and signed for her with the other two signing it as well. "I love this place."
"It's just like Harry all over," Angelina said happily.
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He walked into the restaurant, his movements full of purpose and confidence. Dark eyes roamed the interior with an interested air and he breathed deep, inhaling through his nose. He nodded with approval before approaching the desk. Chloe had watched him coolly with a slightly bemused air and she frowned when the man looked at her with more than passing interest. "May I help you?" she asked, her voice sharp.
Instead of being insulted, much to her surprise since that was the usual response, he chuckled. "I am even more sure of it now," he said in a thick accent but was perfectly understandable. "Are you related to Fleur Delacour?"
"She is my cousin," Chloe said, frowning more. "Why, what of it?"
"Peace," the man said, holding his hands up flatly. "I mean no disrespect. You are very similar to her, which is why I asked. I have been on the receiving end of her look and words before."
"Dear Merlin, please tell me you two did not date," Chloe groaned.
The man laughed loudly. "Not at all and I do not envy any that does. She is formidable and not one I would wish to offend as any, much one that is in a relationship with her. No, we were rivals during the TriWizard Tournament."
Chloe blinked a few times. "Oh! That makes you Viktor Krum?"
Viktor nodded, looking pleased. "That I am. Nice to meet you, hopefully."
Chloe smiled at that. "Chloe Pointue of BeauSoleil, and yes, Fleur's cousin."
Viktor shook her hand warmly. "I do have a reservation. I came ahead of the others to greet my friend if I may."
"I am sure that will be fine-hey!" Chloe gasped as Viktor swept past her and he walked up to the window and peered in.
"My friend!" he shouted into the kitchen, shocking the others in the restaurant, on both sides of the divide.
"Hey!" Harry had looked up when Viktor shouted and grinned and waved. "Be right out!" He finished a dish and came out with the tray, handing it off to Willie and smiling at Viktor, nodding at an irate Chloe who looked like she either wanted to clout Viktor over the head with her metallic tablet or wring his neck with her hands. "Good to see you!"
"Wonderful to see you!" Viktor hugged Harry hard and clapped him on the back. "I knew this place would feel like you. It's warm and comforting. Very much like you."
"Kind of you to say," Harry smiled. "Hey congrats on your game against Spain. We had it on the other day. Awesome catch."
"Oh my gosh, is that Viktor Krum?" a patron gasped to their friend.
"It is!" another said excitedly.
"He has celebrities here!" another whispered.
Viktor looked about a little, seeing the starstruck looks and sighed. "I apologize if I disrupt your business," he said softly.
"Don't worry, and if anyone bothers you, let me know. I don't like it when my customers can't eat in peace," Harry said seriously. "Much less my friends."
"Thank you," Viktor grinned. He winked at a fuming Chloe. "I think she must have things well in hand, yes?"
"You have no idea," Chloe said dryly and full of latent threat.
"I thought Ana was coming too," Harry said, walking with Viktor to the small side table that was apart from the others, looking out into the garden.
"She is. As are a few others. I escaped first and came to greet you before they," Viktor said, sitting down with a grunt. "I am, how you say, very hungry and have been looking forward to this for a long time."
"Well we can't have that," Harry smiled.
"You ate before us?!" Ana appeared a short time later with a few others. She glared down at Viktor who was chewing blissfully, a plate and bowl before him that once held beef stew and a pile of chips.
"I was hungry and this was my pre-appetizer," Viktor said, turning his nose at her. "I needed something to keep from passing out from hunger while I waited for you."
"You left early and gave us your work to do!" one cried in Bulgarian.
"I do not recall that," Viktor said, frowning with concentration.
Ana shook her head and smiled when Harry appeared. "Feel free to charge us double," she said, greeting him. "He is paying after all and can afford it."
"Even triple would be worth the cost!" Viktor said.
Harry laughed. "I only overcharge organizations that can afford it and I don't even do that. Certainly not friends."
"I told you, we are friends," Viktor said smugly when the others save for Ana were surprised. "He was what made being here for the TriWizard bearable. Made shkembe and gyuveche and other delicious things. And was kind in a place where it was unkind. He's a good man."
"And Viktor's a flatterer and exaggerates," Harry said, flushing and smiling.
"Ah, so you heard about his latest break-up," Ana teased. She and the rest of the party laughed at Viktor's scowl.
It was well into the night by the time the table finished their meal. They ended up ordering essentially every dish available and did full justice to it all, with some dishes being ordered again. Harry had come out to applause and thanks, seeing people very full and very happy.
"You have gotten better," Viktor said, mopping up the last of a bowl of stew with bread and chomping on it blissfully. "Mmm, best meal I have had in a very long time."
"Just let me know whenever you're in the country or can visit," Harry grinned.
"We come by often enough," Viktor said. "Now I do not have to worry about starving."
"No one ever will around me," Harry said softly.
"A good man," Viktor said proudly.
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"Hi Harry!" Mirabelle said, waving enthusiastically when he walked over. She hugged him about the middle.
"Hey Mirabelle!" Harry said, hugging her back. "It's so good to see you, all of you!" He hugged Lyla and Katie back as well and shook hands with the two women and the man at the table. "Nice to meet you, Harry Potter."
"Samantha Bell," one of the women said, smiling warmly. She looked like the older version of Katie and Lyla. "Thomas Bell, my husband and their father of course."
"Isabel," the other woman said, shaking Harry's hand. "We have spoken in letter but never in person. Thank you so much again for allowing Hedwig to deliver mail for Mirabelle while you were there."
"It was my and Hedwig's pleasure," Harry said. "You know Hedwig, she only does something if she wants to."
Isabel smiled before hesitating. "And it is really no problem that I am here?"
"Not at all," Harry said soothingly. "Hermione's parents are here all the time, same as Lavender's father. Friends are family as far as I'm concerned here and you're always welcome." He looked around and waved to the various tables. "Especially on Hogsmeade nights. It's a bit more relaxed here on local nights like this."
He snorted when a large group of people at the bar laughed and jeered at each other with Ariana making a series of shots, complete with a flaming whip. "You know, comparatively."
"I've never seen someone use that spell to make flaming shots before," Thomas said, grinning and shaking his head.
"I better make sure Fawkes doesn't get into the spirits later," Harry mused.
"The Headmaster's phoenix?" Katie asked, eyes wide. "He drinks alcohol?"
"If he can get away with it," Harry grinned. "Terrible singer when he's drunk which is ironic considering he's an excellent singer normally."
The night continued. Locals and friends and family nights were well established by now and the various residents of the village drifted in and out. Some got takeaway, others Floo called orders in to be delivered, and others ate there with general goodwill and cheery temperament. The Bell family and the Ramos family ate enthusiastically with the parents deeply enjoying the meal, having tried random baked things before but this being their first time fully eating Harry's cooking.
"Is Alicia still holding things against Angelina?" Harry asked when he came back out to visit.
Katie laughed brightly. "You know Alicia," she said and they laughed together. "So yes, for sure. She's still mad at Angelina about her coming here first and not bringing her."
"I kinda feel bad," Harry groaned.
"Don't, it's funny and you know how those two are always bickering about something," Katie giggled. "And I'm glad you ran into Angelina. That's how we're getting to know when to come and all that too."
"I still can't get over how nice it is compared to the old Hog's Head," Lyla said. "It wasn't bad when you were there but it's so nice now."
"It really is," Mirabelle said.
Harry looked around with satisfaction. "It's a good place, and will only get better," he said comfortably. He smiled when Hedwig swooped in and landed on his shoulder. "Hi girl! All done with deliveries?"
Hedwig cheeped lovingly and nodded, nuzzling him. She then hopped daintily off, fluttering her wings and landed on Mirabelle's lap, hooting warmly at the girl and cooing happily when Mirabelle hugged her tightly.
Harry watched as the owl unashamedly accepted bits off of the girls' plates, gobbling noisily and happily. He turned to Isabel who was watching with a smile as well. "On Hogsmeade days, I keep the Hearth open for students and Hogsmeade residents and family only too. If you ever want to come visit, let me know. I'll pop down to London and bring you here and take you back."
"That's too kind of you," Isabel said softly.
"Mirabelle loves you and I know you love her too. It's honestly no trouble for me," Harry said. He grinned. "You can order an extra appetizer if it makes you feel better on those days."
Isabel laughed and she hugged him. "I have a feeling I will be ordering more than that! Thank you, Harry. I really appreciate all you have done for her."
"She's a great friend and it's been a pleasure," Harry reassured her.
He looked around the busy restaurant with a smile. "This place is only here because of mine after all. And I want to be the best I can be for all of mine."
Isabel looked around at all the happy faces, at all the different kinds of people there. Even though the environment was incredibly different from what she was used to, with obvious magic all around, with house elves and goblins and other folk there with humans, with centaurs even, she felt perfectly safe there. Like she belonged despite being a Muggle.
"It is a beautiful place," she said, voice warm and eyes shining.
"It is," Harry agreed, his heart full.
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Hands Off MY Wolfie - Pretty much. Some people are too full of themselves. Well, I suppose she could gouge and cut out with beak and talon while the hammer is blunt force trauma. I see it more that those chefs dare not try Chef Ripert but have no problem treating Harry poorly, much to their detriment. Thanks for reading.
odonnellzoo99 - Pretty much. They take care of each other there and look down on those that would disrupt their peace. She was so happy! She deserved it. I really like Chloe, Guy, and Mirra a lot too. They add so much and I'm really surprised at how much they do.
poka - He sure does. And no one better to do it too.
alix33 - That sounds very funny and is very fitting with how I envision him to act.
TheSphynx - At least he didn't make it out unscathed.
HoneyBear84 - Thank you.
61394 - No one can mock Hedwig and get away with. Crookshanks probably could breathe underwater, he's just too lazy to.