A Taste of Magic

Chapter 82: 82nd Course - Well Cultured

He looked the image of a consummate professional that was well aware of their prowess. His spine was ramrod straight; his shoulders squared. His eyes were hooded and his features sharp, irritation and arrogance behind a veneer of civility. His arms were crossed over his chest and when the door opened, his posture relaxed somewhat, showing his thoughts. "Madame," he greeted politely. His gaze fell on the other individual. "Garcon."

Perenelle's expression flicked a little but she smoothed it away. "Monsieur Robuchon." She smiled at Harry. "Harry, meet Gabriel Robuchon. Chef Robuchon, this is Harry Potter."

"It's nice to meet you, Sir," Harry said with a big smile. He held his hand out. "Thank you very much for your time."

After a moment's hesitation, Gabriel shook his hand swiftly. "So, you are here to learn?" he asked in accented English, giving Harry a severe look.

"Yes Sir," Harry said politely.

"And what do you think you can learn in just a short period of time?" Gabriel asked sarcastically.

Harry continued to smile slightly. "Whatever I can. I can be a quick study sometimes. Depending on the subject of course."

Gabriel sniffed. "Well, I suppose we will see. Let us start with your knife cuts. Recreate these." He gestured to a few examples that sat on the counter before him. "Be swift, be exact. I will then see what I could possibly teach you after you do."

"Yes Chef." Harry tied on his apron and his bandanna and opened his knife roll. After a quick hone, he got to work with the vegetables that laid there.

Gabriel turned and looked at Perenelle. "Do you truly expect me to teach the child how to play in the kitchen?"

"Certainly not." Perenelle waved her wand and conjured a comfortable chair for her to sit in. "I expect you to teach him a few things and impart some knowledge on what makes French cuisine some of the best in the world."

"Centuries of knowledge in the span of a day?" Gabriel snorted.

"I know what I am asking for," Perenelle replied easily. "I ask for no miracles nor the impossible. Just that Harry learns a thing or too and leaves the experience engaged and wanting to learn more."

"He is a child."

"He might surprise you," Perenelle said, smiling.

Gabriel snorted again and turned. His eyes widened as he saw Harry cleaning down his station and the cuts of the vegetables already arrayed on a tray. "You are already finished?!"

"Yes Chef."

Gabriel blinked. "And you did not use magic?"

"No Chef. Just my knife."

Gabriel poked at the prepared vegetables and looked surprised. "These…are adequate." He looked at Harry accusingly. "You have done this before!"

"I do it a lot," Harry said, looking slightly confused. "I do all kinds of these cuts for prep work and for potions."

"You told me he had little experience!" Gabriel cried, turning to Perenelle.