Alex grabbed a piece of part 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 fvors."

  "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 slie ham for a cold sad with cheese, and make a hearty ham and soup. I have some dried mushrooms that’ll go well in a chi stew. And there are mb chops in your ste room—we 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 pnned out the whole menu with ease. Her simple question had turned into aire feast pn.

  "You’ve thought of everything, Alex! Let’s go with your pn—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 rge silver-pted serving trays, ready for the buffet. The afternoon was full of activity as they washed, chopped, and anized ingredients.

  Early the m, Augusta used cooking magic to knead dough and mix ingredients for bread, desserts, and juice. Meanwhile, Alex mahree chopping boards, skillfully prepping pork, chi, mb chops, and ham, making sure everything was ly 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-burove, fog on the dishes that needed more cooking time—like the chi 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 kit. The Diggorys seemed like a warm, friendly family. Cedric, shy but curious, gnced around the room until his gaze nded on Alex, who gave him a friendly smile. Cedric blushed, managing a small smile back before hiding behind his mother.

  Ba the kit, the rich aroma of simmering stews filled the air. Just as Alex started cooking the fried dishes—like sweet and sour pork, fried chi wings, and onis—the house grew noticeably louder. The sounds of children’s ughter aed voices made him guess that the Weasleys had arrived.

  Sure enough, a momewo young redheaded boys burst into the kit. 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, Gee, do you smell that?” one of them said, inhaling deeply.

  “No, I’m Fred, you dolt! Yee!” the other replied, nudging his brother.

  Alex quickly realized the twins had no iion 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 brother! Why should we listen to you?” one of the boys teased, standing on tiptoe to peek over the ter.

  “Yeah, and we just want a closer look! It smells eveer 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 ’t even smell properly!” the sed twied, crossing his arms.

  Before Alex could step in, the two started bickering, their voices getting louder as if they were about to e to blows. Just then, another redheaded boy, slightly older and much calmer, ehe kit.

  “Gee, Fred, Mom told you to get out of here and stop b people,” he scolded.

  Alex exhaled in relief. “Thank Merlin, someone sensible.”

  But the twins were uerred. “Oh no, it’s Percy the crybaby!” they taunted, stig their tongues out at him. Laughing, they ran around the kit isnd, with Percy chasing them, clearly annoyed.

  Watg the se, Alex felt his patience wearing thin. He was about to raise his voice whe another Weasley appeared in the doorway. This one was older, around ten, with a calm, posed look.

  “Bill!” Percy called out, looking relieved. “They won’t listen aeasing me!”

  Bill strode over, calmly scooping up the mischievous twins. “e on, you two. The kit’s no pce for pying,” 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 get dangerous.”

  Bill, a bit embarrassed, nodded and carried the twins out of the kit despite their protests. With the twins gone, a sense of calm returned, and Alex could finally focus again.

  As he finished up the st few dishes, Augusta peeked in to che 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 kit 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 triah a circle inside and a line down the middle.

  Beside him stood his wife, dressed in a soft light-blue robe, looking schorly and serene. She held a baby snugly ed in bs. The Lovegoods had an air of gentle etricity, and Alex couldn’t help but feel intrigued by them.