"Alright, that's enough for today," Alex said to himself, wiping the sweat from his forehead. "I'm getting closer. With a bit more practice, I might be able to cast Protego, the Shield Charm, without a wand." He smiled, pleased with his progress.
After finishing his practice, Alex started cleaning up the patio where he'd been training. Halfway through, he heard the wall creak and crack as someone opened the door to the Leaky Cauldron from Diagon Alley.
A large, towering figure stepped through—a tall man with a thick beard, wrapped in a gray fur coat. His long, dark hair fell over his shoulders, and his steps were so heavy that the ground seemed to shake with each one.
"Mr. Hagrid! Long time no see. What brings you over from Diagon Alley?" Alex greeted the half-giant warmly.
Business at the Leaky Cauldron had been slow, though a few patrons still came by daily, including patrolling Aurors who often stopped for a drink after their shift. Alex had gotten to know a few of them during his daily magic practice on the patio, and Hagrid, the groundskeeper at Hogwarts, was one of those familiar faces.
Tom, the innkeeper, had introduced Hagrid to Alex, explaining that he was the Keeper of Keys and Grounds at Hogwarts and also took care of the Forbidden Forest. He often came to the Leaky Cauldron either for a drink or to pick up supplies for the school.
"It's good to see ya, Alex!" Hagrid boomed in his deep voice. "I was just here helping a young Muggle-born wizard get his school supplies. But as it turns out, his father's a Squib, so he already knows Diagon Alley pretty well. Didn't really need my help, after all." Hagrid scratched his beard sheepishly.
Alex tried not to laugh, realizing Hagrid had misunderstood his question. But, as usual, Hagrid was generous with the details.
"So, are you heading back to Hogwarts now?" Alex asked, changing the subject.
Hagrid shook his head. "Nah, not yet. I've been in Diagon Alley since morning, helpin' the family, but they didn't need much. I ended up wandering over to Knockturn Alley, just poking around a bit. Didn't even realize it's nearly dinnertime, and I haven't had a bite all day! Figured I'd stop in here for a drink."
Alex chuckled. Hagrid's way of talking made it hard not to like him.
"What did you buy on your trip, Mr. Hagrid? That's quite a large package you're carrying."
Hagrid grinned, patting the large bundle slung over his shoulder. "Ah, this? You won't believe it—I got a whole pound of dragon liver! Got it for a steal. Can ya guess how much it cost? Nah, ya wouldn't believe it! Cheapest deal I've ever found!"
"Dragon liver? That's amazing!" Alex's curiosity sparked. "I've never seen dragon liver before. Can I take a look?"
"Of course, my friend!" Hagrid said enthusiastically, unwrapping the bundle to reveal a piece of liver that was dark and rich in color, fresh and glistening as if just cut.
"My goodness, it looks like it's straight from the dragon!" Alex examined it closely. "What are you going to do with it? Use it for potions?"
Hagrid chuckled. "Nah, I'm thinkin' of makin' a meat sauce. But it's such a fine piece, maybe I should try somethin' special."
Alex, his love for cooking kicking in, had an idea. "How about I cook it for you? I could fry it with some spring onions. I think it would taste much better than meat sauce. What do you think?"
Hagrid looked surprised. "You can cook? But you're only eleven!"
Tom, who had been listening nearby, joined in. "Oh, Hagrid, you've no idea! Alex's cooking is fantastic. I've been eating his meals for weeks now, and I've learned a thing or two just by watching him. If he ever wrote a magical recipe book, it'd sell out instantly."
Since Alex had moved into the Leaky Cauldron, Tom hadn't had to pay for a single meal—Alex had taken over the kitchen, cooking dinner and sometimes breakfast for them both.
Hagrid grinned. "Well, if Tom says so, then let's do it! I'm up for tryin' anything new. Go on, Alex, let's see what ya can make."
Alex eagerly took the dragon liver into the kitchen, realizing just how special this ingredient was. As he handled the liver, he could feel a faint warmth in it and noticed a strong, gamey scent.
Hagrid mentioned that he'd bought it from a vendor in Knockturn Alley, which explained its freshness.
Alex grabbed a handful of spring onions he had grown himself, sliced up the dragon liver, and marinated it with onions, ginger, soy sauce, and cooking wine. Once it was ready, he stir-fried the liver over high heat, keeping the flavors balanced. He prepared a few side dishes as well, knowing Hagrid's appetite would need more than one plate.
As the smell of the cooked liver filled the air, Hagrid and Tom were practically drooling in anticipation, their eyes fixed on the steaming dish as Alex brought it to the table. "Well, here it is—stir-fried dragon liver with spring onions. Give it a try!" Alex said, setting the dish down.
Hagrid wasted no time grabbing a forkful and taking a bite. His eyes lit up. "Blimey, this is delicious! Best liver I've ever had!"
Alex took a bite as well, pleased with the result. The dragon liver had a unique taste—not quite like pork or lamb liver. It was rich yet tender, with a slight crunch on the outside and a melt-in-your-mouth texture inside.
Tom, grinning, brought out a large bottle of red currant rum from his collection. "This calls for a celebration! A meal like this deserves a good drink to go with it."
They ate and drank together, laughing and sharing stories, while Hagrid and Tom praised Alex's cooking over and over.
By the end of the night, Hagrid and Tom were rosy-cheeked and full, content from the delicious meal.
As Hagrid leaned back in his chair, a bit tipsy from the rum, he raised his glass to Alex. "You've got a real talent, lad. Best dragon liver I've ever had—and I've had quite a bit!"
After eating and drinking, Alex, Hagrid, and Tom kept chatting, and soon, the conversation turned to the topic of the Dark Lord and the Death Eaters.