Alex grabbed a piece of parchment and began writing down a menu. "Alright, since we have young kids and a pregnant guest, we'll skip the alcohol and stick to foods that everyone, especially the kids, would like—think fried foods and a mix of sweet and savory flavors."
"For the ham, I'll dice it and make a big batch of fried rice with shrimp, scallops, peas, bamboo shoots, and eggs. It'll be filling and easy to serve buffet-style. I'll also slice some ham for a cold salad with cheese, and make a hearty ham and corn soup. I have some dried mushrooms that'll go well in a chicken stew. And there are lamb chops in your storage room—we can coat those in crushed pistachios and roast them."
He jotted down notes quickly, then added, "For cold dishes, I'll prepare some sliced cucumbers, kelp, and mushrooms with a tangy sauce. And for dessert, I'll make some light pastries and sweet breads, for those who might prefer something sweet over rice."
Augusta watched with amazement as Alex planned out the whole menu with ease. Her simple question had turned into an entire feast plan.
"You've thought of everything, Alex! Let's go with your plan—it sounds like it's going to be wonderful." Augusta looked at the menu, nearly salivating at the delicious spread he'd described.
After finalizing the menu, Alex and Augusta got to work. Augusta brought out beautiful ceramic dishes and large silver-plated serving trays, ready for the buffet. The afternoon was full of activity as they washed, chopped, and organized ingredients.
Early the next morning, Augusta used cooking magic to knead dough and mix ingredients for bread, desserts, and juice. Meanwhile, Alex managed three chopping boards, skillfully prepping pork, chicken, lamb chops, and ham, making sure everything was neatly arranged for easy access during cooking.
Frank and Alice, thrilled to have a rare day off, joined in by setting up tables, chairs, and a long buffet table in the garden. They cast Muggle-Repelling and Shielding Charms around the area to keep any curious neighbors from wandering over.
As Alex fired up the four-burner stove, focusing on the dishes that needed more cooking time—like the chicken stew with mushrooms and braised pork—he heard voices from the living room. The first guests had arrived: the Diggory family, including Amos Diggory, his wife, and their little boy, Cedric, who was only four.
Curious, Alex peeked out from the kitchen. The Diggorys seemed like a warm, friendly family. Cedric, shy but curious, glanced around the room until his gaze landed on Alex, who gave him a friendly smile. Cedric blushed, managing a small smile back before hiding behind his mother.
Back in the kitchen, the rich aroma of simmering stews filled the air. Just as Alex started cooking the fried dishes—like sweet and sour pork, fried chicken wings, and onion rings—the house grew noticeably louder. The sounds of children's laughter and excited voices made him guess that the Weasleys had arrived.
Sure enough, a moment later, two young redheaded boys burst into the kitchen. They looked about three or four years old, identical with fiery red hair, and were giggling and talking loudly as they ran up to Alex.
"Wow, George, do you smell that?" one of them said, inhaling deeply.
"No, I'm Fred, you dolt! You're George!" the other replied, nudging his brother.
Alex quickly realized the twins had no intention of leaving. "It's dangerous in here with all the hot oil. Why don't you two wait until lunch to try the food?" he suggested, trying to shoo them away.
"But you're not that much taller than our big brother! Why should we listen to you?" one of the boys teased, standing on tiptoe to peek over the counter.
"Yeah, and we just want a closer look! It smells even better than Mom's cooking," the other added, nodding.
"You take that back!" the first twin gasped, shoving his brother. "No one's cooking is better than Mom's!"
"Oh, please, your nose is broken! You can't even smell properly!" the second twin retorted, crossing his arms.
Before Alex could step in, the two started bickering, their voices getting louder as if they were about to come to blows. Just then, another redheaded boy, slightly older and much calmer, entered the kitchen.
"George, Fred, Mom told you to get out of here and stop bothering people," he scolded.
Alex exhaled in relief. "Thank Merlin, someone sensible."
But the twins were undeterred. "Oh no, it's Percy the crybaby!" they taunted, sticking their tongues out at him. Laughing, they ran around the kitchen island, with Percy chasing them, clearly annoyed.
Watching the scene, Alex felt his patience wearing thin. He was about to raise his voice when yet another Weasley appeared in the doorway. This one was older, around ten, with a calm, composed look.
"Bill!" Percy called out, looking relieved. "They won't listen and keep teasing me!"
Bill strode over, calmly scooping up the mischievous twins. "Come on, you two. The kitchen's no place for playing," he said, giving Alex an apologetic look. "Sorry about them."
Alex smiled and nodded. "No harm done, but they should stay out of here. It can get dangerous."
Bill, a bit embarrassed, nodded and carried the twins out of the kitchen despite their protests. With the twins gone, a sense of calm returned, and Alex could finally focus again.
As he finished up the last few dishes, Augusta peeked in to check on the desserts in the oven. She was about to join Alex when the final guests of the day arrived, filling the house with quiet murmurs instead of the usual lively chatter.
Curious, Alex walked to the kitchen door to get a glimpse of the Lovegoods, whom Augusta had mentioned. Xenophilius Lovegood was indeed quite a sight, with long, flowing white hair and a bright yellow robe that shimmered slightly. Around his neck hung a curious pendant—a triangle with a circle inside and a line down the middle.
Beside him stood his wife, dressed in a soft light-blue robe, looking scholarly and serene. She held a baby snugly wrapped in blankets. The Lovegoods had an air of gentle eccentricity, and Alex couldn't help but feel intrigued by them.