HP: Wizards at Hogwarts

That afternoon.

Elaine, along with his friends Ernie, Justin, Hannah, and Susan, head to Hagrid's cabin.

The five of them kept talking the whole way.

"Eleven, what are you planning to teach us in this 'Food Research Club'? Nineteen ways to cook steak? Or how to distinguish between vegetables and wild herbs?"

"How about I teach you how to dissect a rooster and kill a fish?"

"Wow—that sounds so gory!"

Although Justin was a boy, he was always a bit timid.

On the contrary, Hannah, the little witch, was quite bold.

"Eleven, are you planning to hold a brewing competition within the club? If so, I definitely want to participate!"

"Stop dreaming. You know perfectly well that the professor wouldn't allow something like this."

"Then we can hold it secretly, as long as the professor doesn't find out."

"By the way! Perhaps on Saturday at the banquet, you could let me try mixing some drinks for everyone... oh no, I mean, mixing some juices or something?"

No wonder your family owns a bar!

Did she develop exceptional bartending skills from a young age?!

"Eleven, are the kitchen utensils you requested from the professor in the kitchen now?"

"Could I take a look first? I really want to know how the kitchen utensils used by Muggles are different from those used by wizards."

Susan seemed more interested in the kitchenware than the food, which amused Elaine.

"That might disappoint you. Most modern Muggle kitchen utensils require electricity or coal to operate, but those things can't be used at Hogwarts, so the kitchen utensils we're buying this time will be relatively 'primitive'."

"Oh, I see... It's okay, I don't know how to cook anyway, I just wanted to take a look."

Although Ernie is also of pure blood, his focus is not on food or kitchenware.

"Eleven, what are our tasks for this event?"

"I assume you've assigned everyone their tasks, right? Is it preparing the ingredients, or preparing the recipe?"

"Tell me quickly, I can't wait to make a big splash!!"

Elaine knew that Ernie was saying these things not because he didn't care about food and cooking utensils, but because he was more mature and stable than the other three, and also more responsible.

He is more concerned with what he can do than what he can gain.

"The focus of this event isn't on food research—that's for the future—but rather on showcasing a wide variety of culinary delights to increase interest in our club and attract others with similar interests to join us!"

"Therefore, the food for this event's banquet will still be prepared by the house-elves of Hogwarts, but to ensure nothing goes wrong, I will be there to oversee things."

"As for you guys... just figure out how to do a good job of publicity!"

The focus of the "Food Research Club" is not "tasting" but "research".

The former is pure enjoyment, while the latter requires a lot of mental, physical, and emotional effort, and it is impossible to persevere without a certain level of enthusiasm.

To ignite young wizards' passion for "studying food," you can't rely on boring stories like "the history of food evolution" or "the meaning and impact of food." That will only make the audience drowsy and gradually diminish their enthusiasm.

Only by showcasing the finished product, whetting everyone's appetite, and letting them witness the charm of food can we stimulate their interest in exploring culinary delights.

"Why don't the four of you go to the competition together then?"

"None of you have ever cooked before, have you? I bet that would be really interesting!"

Elaine's suggestion immediately drew gasps from the four of them, but they did not reject it on the spot.

As they spoke, the group finally arrived at Hagrid's Hut.

"Is Hagrid there?"

"I'll get some meat."

Hagrid was feeding his rooster at the door when he heard Elaine's voice and instinctively stopped what he was doing.

"You are... I think I remember you. You're Harry's friend, and you used a fantastic glow-in-the-dark charm the day we arrived at Hogwarts!"

Judging from his tone, Hagrid still doesn't know that the culprit behind freezing the Black Lake, causing him to be harassed by the Board of Trustees, and freezing the fourth-floor corridor, turning Luwei (Hagrid's pet three-headed dog) into an ice sculpture, is himself.

It seems neither Harry nor Dumbledore has revealed themselves...

Very good, then I can relax and talk to him without worry.

"Yes, it's me."

"My name is Elaine Yakut, and these are my friends Ernie, Justin, Hannah, and Susan. We are all Hufflepuff students."

Upon hearing the name Hufflepuff, Hagrid visibly relaxed.

Everyone knows that Hufflepuff students are the kindest, most loving, most united, and most fair people, and they certainly wouldn't discriminate against you just because you're a 'Half-Giant'!

"Eleven, yes, Eleven!!"

"I remember that name. Harry always mentions you to me."

"He said you pulled the Gryffindor sword at the Sorting Ceremony, that you organized many clubs at school to help other young wizards, and that you are strong, brave, intelligent, kind, enthusiastic, and gentle..."

"He's praised you so much to me, I've almost lost count!"

Hagrid burst into laughter, even opening his arms to walk toward Elaine, wanting to give him a big hug.

But when Hagrid got to Elaine, he suddenly realized two things—

I'm all dirty and smelly right now, it would be too presumptuous for me to hug a clean and handsome little wizard;

I'm too strong, and it'll be uncomfortable for the little wizard when I hug him.

He always gets into trouble because he forgets the second thing, and he almost hurts Harry several times.

Fortunately, this time he remembered in advance.

"I'm sorry, I..."

Just as Hagrid gave an awkward smile and was about to withdraw his hand, Elaine noticed his embarrassment.

Without hesitation, he smiled and stepped forward, extending his arms to give Hagrid a big hug.

"Harry has often mentioned you to me, Hagrid. He says you're the kindest and most honest person in the world!"

Hagrid was bewildered by the sudden hug.

The next moment, when he realized what had happened, a warm feeling of comfort welled up inside him, and two lines of tears flowed uncontrollably down his face.

"Merlin's beard!"

"Besides Harry, you're the first little wizard who's ever been willing to hug me!"

"Harry was right, Elaine, you really are a kind, intelligent, brave, and gentle little wizard!!"

Hagrid patted his stomach and burst into laughter.

"Harry is so lucky to be your friend!"

"Of course, you're lucky to be friends with Harry."

"I mean, you two are equally lucky!"

"By the way, I'm really lucky to have become friends with both of you!!"