Harry removed muffins from both batches and gently cut them open. The insides were soft and moist, releasing even more rich banana scents. He put a half of each batch onto a plate and served a pair to each person.
"This might be the best muffin I've ever had," Lavender said, her mouth full. She fanned her open mouth, unable to keep herself from biting into the muffin that was a shade too hot to be warm.
"Mmhmm," Flitwick hummed. "Sweet but not overly, a soft crumb, with a nice scent of cinnamon and vanilla with the banana. Lovely!"
"I usually put butter and jam on muffins, even sweet ones," Parvati said, swallowing her bite of muffin. "But I don't need that for these. Wow Harry! I can't believe you can bake so well!"
"Thanks!" Harry looked pleased. "The ovens here are really nice. There's practically no cold spots and they hold temperature really well. Magic is amazing." They took bites out of the second muffin.
"There is still a difference," Inky said as she chewed thoughtfully. "Mister Harry's first muffin is very good and the second muffin is also very good but you can taste something different."
"Agreed," Flitwick said. "And just like the biscuits last time, the only difference is that you used the charm to mix the ingredients?" He licked his fingers absent-mindedly when Harry nodded. "If that is the only difference, then the charm has to be the deciding factor."
"I think it's a very small difference this time," Lavender said. "Not like the first time we had the two biscuit batches."
"You said you've been practicing the charm?" Flitwick asked. "Hmm, very interesting," he said when they confirmed that. "I will have to do some more research into that on my own end. For now, however, I plan to give these muffins due attention." He chomped away blissfully. "You have a gift, Mister Potter."
"I do?" Harry asked, eyes wide.
"I think so. It is clear you work hard and have practiced, but you have a talent for it. Whoever taught you must be proud of you."
Harry looked away. "I… maybe," he said quietly.
Lavender frowned at his reaction, an expression that Parvati shared. Inky looked concerned, as did Flitwick. After a moment, the professor cleared his throat. "Well, in any case, you should be proud of your efforts and I will continue to look forward to trying anything you make for us."
Harry shook his head briefly, not in disagreement, but in an attempt to shake thoughts and feelings away. "Thank you," he said at last, smiling but the expression did not quite reach his eyes. "I like cooking for you all. You're really nice."
His air of good ease returned as they continued to sew together and snack on the muffins. Eventually they finished and he held up his two handkerchiefs that he managed to do in the time frame. "My second one is a lot better," he laughed.
"You did really well," Lavender praised. "You too Parvati."
"Thanks! I never liked sewing before," Parvati said as she proudly held up hers. "But that might be more because of my mum and aunties. They get very particular about stitches and hems and things."
"I can fuss at you if you miss the home experience," Lavender said unhelpfully.
"I can poke you with the needle," Parvati replied primly while the others chuckled.
Harry divided up the muffins as they cleaned up the club classroom. Flitwick praised their improvement with the Scouring Charm and gave Parvati a few pointers when she attempted it. "Have we talked about paying for ingredients and things?" Harry asked.