Chapter Text
Side Dishes
1st Course – Across the Pond
Takes place after the start of chapter 170 of A Taste of Magic, when Harry leaves the UK to go to the United States of America for the first leg of his internship/stagiaire journey.
Harry landed on his feet and managed to keep upright, though he swayed a little and felt unbalanced. The Portkey from London to New York had been a very strong rush of magic. The trip had been surprisingly smooth otherwise but the aftereffects were very strong and lingering. He swayed a little, regaining his bearings.
“You okay?” he asked.
Hedwig swayed in her cage, her eyes rolling around independently of each other and she groaned, making disgusted owl noises at the indignity of the travel. She hooted wearily and shook her head hard, her eyes slowly stopping and focusing. She gave him a pawky look.
“I know. I’ll make up for it, promise,” he smiled. Only then did he look around as he got off the platform.
The Portkey Hub of the Magical Congress of the United States of America was very grand. Located within their main headquarters, the official Portkey Hub was made of dark stone and polished wood. The symbol for their ministry was emblazoned all around as well as flags from other magical ministries and governments with the ICW flag as well. A lot of people walked about, dressed in all sorts of clothes. Some mounted platforms, others disembarked, and more were being checked by ones wearing official looking clothing.
Harry made his way to one of the desks. A wizard stood there in dark grey robes that were cut like a Muggle suit. He looked at Harry with a polite expression, nodding genially. “Hello, welcome to the United States of America.”
“Hello, thank you,” Harry smiled. He offered his passport and his papers and the wizard took them.
“Mister Harry Potter, welcome,” he said, looking over the documents carefully. “Coming from the United Kingdom, coming here for…work?”
“Yes Sir. I’m going to be staging at a restaurant for a few months, invited by the chef and owner.”
“Oh which one?”
“La Brassiere Americaine, by Chef Anthony Banks.”
The wizard smiled. “Oh I love that place! One of the best restaurants in the whole city, magical and No-Maj alike. You must be good to be invited there.”
Harry smiled shyly. “I’m pretty good, but hope to get better from learning from Chef Banks.”
“That’s a good attitude,” the wizard said approvingly. “Let’s see, and you have documents for…Hedwig? Your owl?”
“Yes Sir. I know they aren’t as necessary for owls but wanted to be careful.”
The wizard looked at Hedwig who stared back at him flatly, seemingly unimpressed by him. “Sure thing,” the wizard said. “Well everything looks like it’s in order.” He waved his wand over the documents and stamped Harry’s passport. “First time visiting?” He frowned at Harry’s nod. “Hmm. So you don’t know your way around?”
“Oh I’m meeting someone here actually,” Harry said. “They’re going to get me settled and I have directions on how to get to the restaurant from where I’m staying.”
“Oh good. Mind if I ask who you’re meeting?” He turned at a very small throat clearing and the customs wizard blanched for a moment before turning completely professional. “Hello Sir.”
A man had appeared beside him without making a sound. He was pale and his eyes dark and piercing. Black hair was cut short and severely, almost sculpted with how neat it looked, and he wore very fine robes. “Eckles,” he said, his voice cool and low. “I will be taking Mister Potter with me.”
“Is something wrong? Sir?” Eckles said, giving Harry a nervous glance. “He only just arrived.”
“Nothing is wrong,” the man said smoothly. “I am fetching him for his acquaintance.”
“For Miss Bathory?” Harry asked, also giving the other man a slightly wary look.
“Yes,” the man said, looking pleased. “And to affirm my intentions, I am to inform you that the dinuguan was delicious.”
“Oh! Then it should be fine,” Harry said, at ease. “Thank you.”
“Well, alright then,” Eckles said, giving Harry another glance. “Maybe I’ll get to try your cooking when I visit the Brassiere.”
“I hope to see you there. Thank you!” Harry said, smiling. Eckles smiled back but continued to give him and the other man a very respectful look as they left. “Thank you for fetching me,” Harry said as they walked away from the Hub.
“You are welcome,” the man said, giving Harry an appraising look. He seemed mildly surprised by Harry’s demeanor and relaxed a fraction.
“Hopefully it isn’t bothering you or interfering with your day.”
The man smiled just a little. “It has not, do not worry. I work here in the MACUSA building primarily and know my way around, hence me offering to come get you. Mistress, while familiar, is not as flexible in moving about the building.”
“You work for the MACUSA? That’s the formal name for the Ministry?”
He nodded. “I do, and yes, it is.”
Harry looked around as they walked, admiring the building. It seemed less polished and ornate as the British Ministry in places, but it looked very clean and organized. Paper animals scurried back and forth, made from folded memos, and most people walked with purpose and direction. He also noticed a lot of people stiffening when they saw the man that Harry was with and would nod respectfully at him, giving Harry a curious glance. Eventually, after moving through elevators operated by house elves who also looked at Harry curiously but did not seem intimidated by the man, they reached an office and the man opened it, ushering Harry within.
“Hello Harry dear,” Edwina smiled, greeting him warmly.
“Hi Miss Edwina!” Harry said happily.
“And hello Hedwig,” the woman greeted and Hedwig hooted back cheerily. She frowned at the man who looked very shocked at Harry’s back. “Was there a problem, Christos?”
Christos shook his head. “None, Mistress. Forgive me. I was surprised.”
“Mister Christos was very nice in getting me,” Harry said.
“Good,” Edwina said with approval and Christos looked at Harry with mild surprise and appreciation. “Unfortunately my time is short. Let us get you to your residence for while you are in New York and then I must be off. While you will have means to reach me elsewhere, Harry, Christos can get a hold of me as well. Feel free to reach out to him if you need me.”
“I will, thank you Sir,” Harry said. He offered his hand and Christos shook it after a moment’s hesitation. His skin was cold to the touch in a now familiar way, but the gesture was firm and sincere.
“I am sure we will become more acquainted while you are here, Mister Potter,” Christos said with some warmth.
“You can call me Harry, all of Edwina’s friends can,” Harry said easily.
Christos smiled. “Harry then. Thank you.”
Harry followed Edwina out of the office and the smaller woman led him out of the MACUSA building proper and onto the street. Harry stopped for a moment to gape at all the tall buildings around him and at the sheer presence that the city had. He caught up after a moment, following her brisk pace.
“This is one of the magical streets,” Edwina said as they walked. “The majority of the streets is No-Maj, what they call Muggles here, though nothing keeps magicals from using them of course. Magical streets are magicals only and have been charmed to be as such. There are much less of them in general but they all lead to different mostly magical living areas and then there is the Market Central where the majority of the shops and business are. Plenty are scattered around the city and reached in many different ways. There are five boroughs or counties in the city and each have slightly different magical populations and traditions and all that.”
“Everything feels bigger and more impressive here,” Harry said as they walked. He looked around at the other people using the magical street. Some were dressed in robes he was familiar with, others in different versions of regular attire and even more in suits and formal clothing. Hair styles and accessories were all over the place and there was an odd uniformity in the non-conformity.
“There is a very large magical population living here,” Edwina nodded. “And the majority of magicals in the United States come here for business and travel to elsewhere. There is a major city in every region of the continent but New York is the largest and the oldest.”
“Chef Banks’ restaurant is at the edge of Market Central,” Harry said.
“Ah good. Where you will be living is also on the edge so your commute should be simple.”
“Thank you again for all your help, I really appreciate it.”
She smiled at him and patted his arm. “We are friends, Harry. This is what friends do.”
In a short time, they reached Market Central. It felt a lot like Diagon Alley but like everything did in his short time here, it felt bigger. The air was rich with magic and energy and there were advertisements and other things that were obviously magical, not having to hide in plain sight like in Muggle places. People even flew around on brooms and carpets in the air and Harry enjoyed the sight of seeing things so open and alive.
Hedwig, having seen plenty of animals out and about, kicked the door to her cage open and flew out, landing on Harry’s head and looking around with interest at all the new sights.
“Here we are,” Edwina said, leading Harry to a large building that was at the end of the street. It was tall and looked plain on the outside, but well-kept and clean.
“It belongs to the ICW?” Harry asked as he followed her up the steps.
“Technically it belongs to me,” Edwina said. She nodded at the person who sat at the front desk who sat up at attention, looking at Harry curiously as they passed. “I rent it out to the ICW to provide temporary housing for ICW employees. Some of it anyways. Other parts of it I reserve for my personal use and people who work for me directly.”
She led him to the fifth floor and opened a door with a key. “It is a bit small, hope you do not mind,” she said.
“It looks wonderful,” Harry said, smiling and looking around. It was indeed a small one-bedroom apartment, but since it was on the corner, there were windows on two walls that were perpendicular to one another and a small balcony. It gave the central room an open feeling.
Edwina smiled happily. “Good! The kitchen is very small I am afraid and no real furnishings for it. The previous occupant did not need one, but I will procure what you need.”
“Oh I brought my travel kitchen,” Harry said, patting his bag. “It’ll be just fine and should fit. I can put the table here in the sitting room. Are you sure I can’t pay for my rent or something?”
“Friends, Harry,” Edwina chided with a smile. “If you feel the need, you may cook more for me when I visit and for some of my employees here in the building.”
“Deal,” Harry said happily.
“Ah, Ella, good to see you,” Edwina said when a woman appeared in the open door. She was taller and had broad shoulders with short brown hair and amber eyes.
“Mistress, hello,” Ella said with a smile. “And you must be Harry, nice to meet you.”
“Nice to meet you,” Harry smiled, offering his hand. Ella looked at it with surprise before shaking his hand warmly with a strong grip.
“Ella is the manager of the building and is responsible for repairs, protection, and everything one might need,” Edwina explained. “She works for me directly and should you need anything, let her know and it will be done.”
“I will, thank you,” Harry said.
Edwina’s smile faded and she hissed in annoyance all of a sudden. She touched a gleaming earring with her hand. “Yes, what is it?” she asked, looking away. “Okay, I am on my way back. I had to get Harry settled. Yes, I will tell him. What? Oh for blood’s sake-tell him to be patient and if he will not, use your gaze and put him in a stupor. Yes, that was permission! I will be back as soon as possible!”
She let go of the earring and sighed. “Greta says hello, by the way, Harry. I must be off. I will be back in one week’s time and check on you.” She smiled with delight when Harry hugged her and Ella looked on with open astonishment.
“Thanks again! Have a safe trip,” Harry said gratefully. He waved and Ella bowed respectfully as Edwina left.
Ella looked back at Harry and even gave Hedwig a considering look who had sat on Harry’s head unmoving and returned Ella’s gaze. “Wow, Mistress likes you,” Ella said.
“She’s great,” Harry said.
“She can be,” Ella said wryly. “I live on the other end of this floor. Only you and me on this floor. Vinny is the doorman and floor security when you walk in. There’s a couple other of us security and maintenance people I’ll introduce you to eventually. The closest place for groceries and supplies is just out the front door and half a block that way.”
“Thanks! And how far is…this place from here?”
She looked at the address he showed her. “Oh super close. Two blocks east and you’ll see it. The Brasserie right? Only a few minutes’ walk.”
“That’ll be handy. Oh, is it safe for Hedwig to fly around?”
“Safe enough in the immediate area. There are a couple of groups that joyride on brooms around but she knows better than to get hit by one, right?” She smiled at Hedwig’s heavy snort and flat look. “There’s a few magical birds and flying animals that live around but they usually stay away from this area. Just be mindful when you’re about. Be careful about flying in No-Maj places too. They’re used to gulls and pigeons but not so much owls. Some might come after you thinking you don’t belong.”
Hedwig clacked her beak and looked deeply unimpressed by that.
“Just be careful,” Harry said and she rolled her eyes at him but fluffed up and nibbled on his fingers as he rubbed her belly.
“Well I have to go take care of a few things, but just let me know if you need anything.” Ella nodded and left.
“Look at all this,” Harry said to Hedwig, scooping her up in his arms and hugging her, looking out the window. “Can’t believe we will be here for more than three months. We better make the most of it.”
She fluffed up and cheeped lovingly at him, also looking out at the city with interest.
-0-
“Hello, welcome to La Brasserie Americaine,” the woman said, smiling politely at Harry. Her eyes traveled down when she noticed Hedwig sitting in Harry’s jacket, her head poked through the collar, and tilting her head a little in surprise.
Harry, not feeling that tired, had decided to visit the restaurant even though he was not due to start for a few days. Walking through the Market Central district had been fascinating and while he wanted to explore that too eventually, he wanted to make sure he knew how to get to the restaurant easily. Thankfully like Edwina and Ella said, it was very simple to see and get to.
“Hello, my name is Harry Potter,” Harry said. “This is Hedwig.” Hedwig barked and the woman smiled in reply. “I’m going to be starting my stagiaire soon and wanted to get used to walking here and getting used to the area.”
“Oh, I recall Chef saying something like that,” the woman began.
“Is that Harry?!” Anthony’s head appeared at the window in the back and saw them there. “Harry!” He came out, wiping his hands on a towel. “You’re here already?”
“Just got in Chef,” Harry smiled.
“Great! Hey, listen, I know it’s a lot to ask, but do you think you can start today? Two of the staff called off sick and we’re seriously in the weeds and even if you can help do prep work and stuff, I’d really appreciate it,” Anthony asked anxiously.
“Chef! He only just arrived!” the woman cried, looking at him with disapproval. “He traveled from overseas, yes? I know we are in dire straits but how can you ask that of him?!”
“No I can,” Harry said eagerly. “I didn’t bring my clothes with me right now but I have my knife roll with me.”
“Perfect! We got spare uniforms for you. See Lezz? He’s a chef! He works at the drop of a hat because he wants to. Follow me, Harry.” Anthony walked back to the kitchen with Harry following eagerly.
“Or is he only doing so out of politeness because he wants to make a good impression and cannot afford otherwise?!” the woman shouted, following them.
“Harry, that’s Leslie, the maître d’ and front of house manager. I call her Lezz to annoy her.” He led the small group into the kitchen of the Brasserie. It was a longer kitchen, narrow in width, and full of equipment and tables and things. Two other people were there, working hard, and they looked over with surprise. “That’s Adam, my sous. That’s Callie. She’s now my third favorite person because unlike the other two assholes, she showed up for work.”
“Well I’m not sick,” Callie snorted.
“They’re not sick, they’re hung over,” Adam snorted. “And won’t drink hangover potions because they don’t like them.”
“Which is also pretty dumb,” Callie said.
“You work with them, you know how dumb they are,” Adam sighed. He looked at Harry and blinked at Hedwig who blinked back. “This is the new guy? He’s a kid.”
“I turn 18 soon,” Harry said.
“He’s a kid,” Adam repeated.
“Yeah, and he made it to the finals of the Rising Stars and just barely lost,” Anthony said.
“Alright, no need to bust my ass,” Adam grumbled. “You say he’s good, I’ll believe it when I see it.”
“Well you’re about to get an eyeful,” Anthony shot back. “Lezz, put him in some spare whites please.”
“Can Hedwig stay?” Harry asked. “She won’t make a mess or anything. I just didn’t want to leave her alone right now.”
“Sure. You’re going to be in the cold prep area, she can chill out there.” He grinned at his joke and scowled at Adam’s groan and Callie’s snort and Leslie’s flat look. “I’m funny dammit.”
“Follow me,” Leslie sighed. She led Harry to a small locker room and opened a locker, pulling out clean chef whites. “You can say no, if you wish,” she said.
“No really, I’m fine, eager even,” Harry said with a big smile. “I’m here to work and learn.”
“I wonder when was the last time I saw someone so enthusiastic to work,” she said with a small smile. She gave him privacy to change and when he finished, adjusted his uniform with her wand until it fit perfectly. “There, looking presentable.”
“Right, so this is what I need,” Anthony said when Harry reappeared at the ready. “Onions like this. Shallots like this. Here are some examples of the veg prep and if you can get to the fish, I’d appreciate it. We have an in-house butcher and they’re coming in later with the rest of the crew but for the lunch rush, my two other guys didn’t show and I need the help.”
“I can do it Chef,” Harry said confidently, tying a bandanna on.
“Thanks,” Anthony said gratefully and got back to work.
Harry immediately got to work too. He saw the examples of what Anthony wanted done and fell to with a will. Hedwig made herself comfortable on the top of a refrigerator making an impromptu nest out of Harry’s jacket. She watched Harry for some time before she decided to nap, falling asleep. Harry worked hard, continuing at a smooth pace and setting the finished prep aside in waiting bins and containers.
“Whoa, you’re fast,” Callie said, walking to the cold prep area and looking at the finished mise en place.
“Thanks!” Harry smiled. “I had to be in Gringotts Main One and on busy nights at the Hog’s Head.”
“Gringotts. As in the Gringotts?” Callie gasped.
“Gringotts Britain, but yeah. I worked there for years in their main kitchen over summers and occasional times during holidays,” Harry said as he continued to work.
Callie looked suitably impressed as well as a little incredulous as she took what she needed.
Harry continued to work through the afternoon and soon more people came to work. They all gave him a look when they saw him but did not say anything. Eventually Anthony returned and sighed with relief. “Thanks Harry,” he said. “You saved us. We’ll be on track for the dinner service.”
“Do you need me to stay and help with that?” Harry asked, eyes bright.
Anthony chuckled. “Sure, why not?”
-0-
Harry had thought Gringotts Main One and the Hog’s Head were very busy at their peak times and he was not wrong. That said, he was wholly unprepared with how busy La Brasserie Americaine was. As soon as it hit the late afternoon, the work picked up considerably. Tickets constantly were being rattled in the kitchen and Anthony stood at the pass making sure everything was right before sending it out. The crew moved around each other, cooking and never stopping much like the Crew, but somehow slightly more swiftly and intense. The door constantly swung open with waiters and waitresses and runners taking food out and bussers returning with dirty dishes to be cleaned.
And the food was so different and familiar at the same time.
They were dishes Harry had seen before but with subtle twists, either on the French side or the American. The portions were generous and the presentations elaborate but not fussily so. The elements of French cooking were there, but changed to suit Anthony’s tastes and vision. Sauces, garnish, ingredients, all had places and reasons to be on the plate. It was not multi-course dining, but most tables ordered not just an entrée, but appetizer and dessert as well.
Harry had been observing at first but then jumped into being gofer and helped with refilling mise en place, something the crew there was very grateful for.
By the end of service, late into the night, Harry was tired but elated seeing how his first professional kitchen operated that was a full restaurant. Anthony had been very happy with Harry’s assistance and Leslie, Callie, and Adam had also shown their appreciation. Learning that Harry had just arrived and had not even gone out to buy groceries or things had caused Leslie to verbally upbraid a slightly meek Anthony. She had one of the crew buy him some basics at what they called a bodega at the corner of the block, and they made him a few dishes of food from the leftovers to take home. Harry was then told to come the following day, not the next day, and be ready to join the crew proper.
At first Harry had been nervous to walk back to the apartment so late at night but there were so many people still out on the streets, he felt better about it. Especially with Hedwig sitting on his head and turning her head around to look at everything. More than a few people gave them a second look but no one bothered them.
“Oh there you are,” Ella said with relief when Harry and Hedwig returned to the building. “I was about to go looking for you.”
“Oh sorry,” Harry said. “I went to the restaurant to visit but they ended up needing my help so I stayed.”
“Even after traveling today?” Ella asked.
Harry nodded. “I was fine, especially after they gave me a coffee.”
“That’s good,” Ella said. “Food smells good,” she smiled, noticing the bag he held. She looked surprised when he gave her one. “Really?”
He nodded again. “I asked for some extras for you and Vinny. I already gave him his when I passed him.”
“Oh, that’s really nice of you,” she said. She opened it and looked at the large steak within. Her eyes widened and she looked at him. “You got this for me, specifically?”
“I figured you’d like a steak or something with a lot of protein,” Harry said.
“Why?” she asked, eyes narrowing.
“Oh, well, uh,” Harry stammered, flushing a little. “My uncle/positive male role model really likes extra meat and protein things before and after the moon and I sort of assumed. Sorry.”
She stared at him. “You know what I am?”
“I guessed. You feel sort of like how he feels, like how I feel around you. Plus like with skin and eye color and all that.”
“And that doesn’t bother you?” she asked with disbelief.
He shook his head. “Should it?” he asked worriedly.
“Most people aren’t all that comfortable with it,” she said softly.
“Oh, well, that doesn’t bother me. You’ve been nice and Miss Edwina said I can trust you,” Harry said simply.
Ella stared at him for a moment longer before smiling a little. “Thank you, Harry. I really appreciate it.”
“You’re welcome. See you tomorrow!” He waved as she walked away, entering his apartment with a soft sigh of relief. He ate hungrily, sharing his dinner with Hedwig and got ready for bed. As he laid down, Hedwig plumped down beside him and fluffed up too.
“What a day,” he said, smiling at her. “Good night, Hedwig. I’m glad you’re with me.” He coughed as she flopped over his face, burying it with her soft feathers and she cooed lovingly as he laughed, the sound slightly muffled but there was no mistaking the happiness and warmth in the sound.