ch 55 Barbecue party
October 5, 1991, Hogwarts' ground 6:30pm
🎵 🎶 🎵 🎶 🎵
The sound of acoustic guitar play in the background, giving the party a chill ambiance.
The venue is at the field in between the West tower and the Beast Classroom. Even if it was dark out, the place was brightly lit by bonfires and torches. The view became serene as the lights reflected on the surface of the lake.
All the students are dining in one long table and the teachers in a separate one. There was a considerable distance between the two.
Jolly was managing the food stations and constantly snapping his finger after someone ordered food. He was obviously happy to be of service to his young master and his school friends.
"Hmmm... I love young Witcherly's food selection. Should we ask the castle's house elves to change the menu?" Dumbledore praised the food. He specially became fond of the different pasta dishes.
Sprout smiles as she swallows before answering, "We could ask Marshall and his elf to give pointers to them, but we need the head elf's approval. You know they don't like change and just stick to the menu that Lady Helga prepared a long time ago."
Flitwick was eating several skewers while looking at the fully clothed elf with a chef's hat manning the barbecue stations. He said, "Speaking of elves, don't you find the boy's elf a bit unique? I've seen elves who have been treated humanely by their owner, but Witcherly's elf is something else..."
Everyone gave a nod to his observation. The elf is so lively and can manage the different stations without missing a beat. Note that Witcherly has 10 stations: Salads, Rice and Pasta, a charcuterie board, Soups, Meats, Fish, Seafood, Drinks and wine, and Desserts.
To be able to cater to the many orders with no mistake, the elf shows a healthy mind and body, and powerful control of magic while keeping a natural smile all the time.
McGonagall just sat down with a plate full of different grilled seafood. She's not showing the usual stern face she always has. It is obvious, that she loves tasting new dishes. Especially fish and seafoods. She said, "Well, this is nice to see... students from different houses mingling together."
Flitwick nodded, "It surely is. It was wise for Marshall to only invite the first years. If the older students came, they'll just force the young ones to stick to their houses and not interact with anyone else. Right, Serverus?"
Snape ,who had different glass of drink in front of him and a pen and paper at hand, replied, "Maybe, but I'm hearing complaints from the older students... not just from my snakes."
Sinistra, who was sipping red wine, smirked, "Let them complain. If they want to have their party, then they can organize their own. But I doubt they will be as peaceful and lively as this one. It would even probably end up in fights if we were not there.... Serverus, have you figured out what this wine is made of"
Snape barely shook his head and frowned, "It's definitely fruit wine and the process follows the traditional elf wine. But I can't figure out what fruit it used. All I can say is that the wine is very beneficial to the body and might even alleviate some chronic illnesses."
Kettleburn laughed, "Oh! In that case, I'll ask Marshall for some bottles. I'll just let the boy play with some of the creatures I have… Hahaha!"
Madam Pomfey reacted, "Oh, Does that mean you changed your mind about your retirement, Silvanus?"
*cough* Kettleburn became silent then shook his head, "No. I'll retire after next school year. I'll prep Hagrid regarding everything he needs to know until then."
Hagrid gave a bashful bow, while Filch snorts at the side.
Everyone became silent. The professors got used to the DADA professor changing every year but never for the rest of the faculty.
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-Marshall's POV-
"Marshall, this is not a barbecue, it's a buffet!" said Justin as he sat down with a plate full of meat and another for pasta.
I smiled and replied, "Well... The Patil twins, Naomi and Sue requested for some rice dishes and the next thing I know people were hinting food request all throughout the week. Some were not even subtle when they requested desserts and sodas."
Some of those who heard that chuckled and had a guilty look.
"I'm surprised that the Headmaster also allowed your elf to assist you?" asked Ernie out of curiosity.
"I was originally going to ask the castle's house elves, but... uhm… let's just say that the head elf is not fond of me." I said.
Susan was surprised, "Really! Why?"
I shrugged, "I think they got offended that I'm preparing my meal and giving bento boxes to others. They think, I don't appreciate the food they make and, in turn, disrespecting Hogwarts itself."
Harry was not familiar with house elves and trying to figure out something, so he asked, "Uhm… are there plenty of house elves in the castle? I've been here for a month now, and I haven't seen any?"
It was Tracy who answered, "Oh, they are the ones who clean up after us in the dorms, cook the food in the Great Hall, do the laundry and such. They are roaming around the castle while invisible."
Millicent added," But I think you might not want to see them... Unlike Marshall's elf there, they are not well clothed and not as healthy looking..."
All those who are 'in the know' all nodded in agreement. The Slytherins remained quiet and looked at the fully clothed elf in the grill with a wide smile, and they compared it to their elves at home.
Hermione was silent, listening to the conversation we were having. She was all frown and painting a picture in her head. One word came to mind at the end… slaves.
Kevin looked over the teacher's table and asked me, "Marshall, did you not invite Professor Quirrell?"
Everyone looked at the teacher's table and found that Quirrell was missing. They look at me. I sighed and said, "I did ask him, but he said that he didn't want to be out in the open at night. It was when vampires roam around."
Everyone had a perplexed looked, hearing the reason.
"Mmmmmmmm!" Suddenly, a large tentacle emerged from the water nearby and started to wave. Some students were alarmed, and I calmed them down, "Relax guys. The squid just wants some food. Bunta, could you ask a basket of French toasts from Jolly. Thanks."
"Croak." My toad floated toward Jolly. He returned with a basket of French toasts and placed it in front of me.
"Guys, I'll be right back." I took the basket and walked toward the squid with my three pets.
The teachers and the students all observe me while I feed the squid.
While I was away, Hannah said,"So Marshall did play with the squid. It was astounding."
Tracy smiled, "See! I told you. That guy was peeking at our common room dorm's window while the squid was dragging him around the lake."
Millicent mumbled, "Yeah.. He was shirtless that time…." Everyone looked at her and rolled their eyes.
Hermione asked, "Is swimming even allowed?"
Daphne frowned and answered, "Yes. Though, the older students said they only go to the lake in May or June. Around this time of year, the water is already cold."
Marshall came back after feeding the squid. Wayne asked, "I never knew squid likes French toast. How did you find out?"
"It told me. I was giving it crab cakes at the beginning, but it requested French toasts when we talked." I plainly answered and leave them to their imagination on how to interpret what I just said.
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Teacher's table
"Hoho, Witcherly even befriended the Giant Squid," Kettleburn laughed while sipping wine.
Sinistra asked,"The boy really likes to play with animals and magical beasts. I won't be surprised if one of these day he went for a swim in the lake or explored the forest."
"He... already did."said Snape.
Sinistra was going to sip her wine but asked, "What?"
Snape continued, "Witcherly... already went swimming in the lake. The Slytherins saw him with the squid underwater in their common room window."
Kettleburn laughed, "Hahahaha... and the other day he was walking in the edge of the Forbidden Forest. I'm pretty sure he wants to explore there too."
Dumbledore mumbled, "He already did."
All the teachers became quiet. McGonagall asked, "And you didn't reprimand him, Albus?"
"He was meeting the centaurs that his pets befriended." The headmaster spoke, "The centaurs gave their approval of the boy roaming the forest."
Sprout became worried, "But the dangers..."
"Are nothing compared to the ones he faced in the Ice Vault." Dumbledore cut her off and said, "Rest assured that Witcherly is very capable in protecting himself."
Flitwick got curious, "Headmaster, what is his background? Such talented individuals don't just appear out of the blue. "
Everyone looked at Dumbledore, waiting for an answer. He sighed and just said, "I can't say because I'm not sure either. At first, I thought he was just someone who was favored by my old friends. But it appears that those old friends of mine were afraid of young Marshall's background, that's why they asked me to keep him happy."
Everyone was shocked. They want to inquire further as to who those 'old friends' were, but they know the headmaster won't answer.
The four house heads remembered about the 'safe' they were preparing for Harry Potter and Dumbledore's 'old friend' who provided the 'stone'. If their hunch was right, then that means Witcherly's background is not that simple.
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"You should try to enjoy the food, Draco. Look at Crabbe and Goyle," said Pansy as she ordered her food and drinks from Witcherly's elf.
Draco frowned while looking at the food Witcherly prepared. He didn't recognize half of them. There were even muggle drinks at the side. He wanted to protest, but seeing that even his fellow Slytherins were eating and drinking, he knows it will backfire on him if he made a scene.
His house already gave him the cold shoulder after loosing 60 pts because of his actions. He had been walking on eggshells around the topic and tried not to stand out 'less someone mentioned it.
The weird part was that he and his lackeys didn't remember how they got to the hospital wing. The teachers confiscated the old notebook, deducted points and had them do detention under Filch for a week.
Good thing, there were no older students here to nag and watch over them on how to 'behave'.
He just sighs and gave in. Looking at the fully clothed elf, he said, "I want this... and a bit of this... and some of that. Give me the best drink you have." He remembered seeing this elf before at Madam Malkin's and was intrigued to see an elf fully clothed. He can't deny that it is much pleasant to look at than that dirty Dobby his family keeps.
The elf snapped his finger and food appeared on his plate. But there were no drinks. The elf asked, "Uhm... Jolly don't know what young master's friend considered the best drink in our selections.... But Jolly's young master always like Coke with ice... Will that be fine with young master's friend?"
He was surprised by how the elf asked and just nodded. A tall glass of black drink appeared in front of him. A third of it was filled with ice.
Curious, Draco took a sip. He was immediately surprised by the fizzy bubbly sensation on his tongue and the sweet, refreshing taste that came with it. Just that one sip instantly brightened the boy's mood.
He and Pansy made their way to our seats and saw fellow Slytherins talking and laughing while happily enjoying their meal.
The atmosphere was so relaxed, especially when no older students breathing down their neck and scrutinizing everyone's achievements for the day and discussing politics and family matters.
It's the first time Draco Malfoy genuinely felt and looked like a student.
The elf's words linger in his mind. Draco mumbled, "…his young master's friend, huh."
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8:35 pm
Jolly was beginning to clean up the venue while I'm feeding the Giant Squid who returned for seconds. The students and faculty went back to the castle. Filch didn't forget to remind me to return to my common room by 9:00 pm.
I gave away bento boxes to each student and let them have take outs for friends in their respective houses. Ron took 3 more bentos for his brothers.
I can say that my party was a success.
While the party was going on, I'm still keeping track of Voldy who was roaming in the castle. Too bad, I can only sense his soul signature and can't observe what he is doing. As much as I wanted to tail the guy, his guard was always up.
I might spook the guy. Remembering the Ice Vault, I can no longer say that I'm that knowledgeable about Hogwarts and can't say that Voldy is just a parasite anymore. So I'm not going to be conceited in monitoring Voldy.
Helena did say that the Ice Vault was only one of the Cursed Vaults, so that means there are still unknown dangers I don't know about.
And I'm not going to seek the vaults out of curiosity. I got lucky last time. The Ice Vault only contains a finger and a remnant soul of Jadis, The White Witch. I still remember Siri saying I don't have a way to destroy the finger without it blowing up and casting Eternal Winter on the whole of Europe.
So as long as the vaults remained close, then they are not my concern.
My thoughts were interrupted when a familiar fellow appeared near me. I turned around to see the head house elf, Wigby.
I smiled and said, "Good Evening, Wigby. We're just cleaning up."
Wigby looked at Jolly with inquiring eyes. He probably finds my elf too unique, both in appearance and clothing. The head house elf then look at me and there's a trace of hesitation in his eyes.
"Apologies, young master Witcherly for our rude remarks before. The headmaster asked if you are willing to teach us some new dishes so that the students and faculties won't be bored with our food."
'Oh! This is...' Thoughts run through my brain. I really do want to add some new dishes to the menu. And I know that I can't cater to everyone's request every day. I said, "Well, apology accepted. But for your request, I might have to ask about how you acquire your ingredients so that I can properly advise. Will that be alright?'
Wigby was surprised of the request and looked like he's calculating something. I said, "You could tell the Headmaster about it first. Let's set a date to talk things out."
The elf nodded and apperate away from my sight.
I got excited about the opportunity to find out the secret behind the castle's food production.
~end chapter ~