The Kunlun student who had ordered the steak nodded. After recalling the Western dining etiquette he'd studied, he cut a piece of beef and placed it in his mouth. He chewed for a moment, then sighed.
"Actually," he muttered, "give me a bowl of rice. I still want the mapo tofu."
For someone accustomed to a particular cuisine, Western food was merely a novelty. But to truly satisfy, familiar flavors were essential.
Sunny Finch looked at Erwin curiously. "Why does Hogwarts have so many dishes from the East?"
"I prefer them," Erwin said simply. "When I arrived, I requested them. Eventually, others developed a taste for it, and the menu evolved. If it weren't for accommodating the other schools, there would be even more. Eastern cuisine has become quite popular here."
Sunny Finch nodded. That made sense. If Erwin was involved, anything was possible.
At the professors' table, the visiting elder from Kunlun looked at the food before him with some bewilderment. Dumbledore took the initiative to explain.
"Try it," he encouraged warmly. "See how Hogwarts prepares these dishes! I quite enjoy the flavors myself." As he spoke, he picked up chopsticks and deftly placed a piece of sweet and sour pork into his mouth. He'd mastered chopsticks because he found certain dishes simply couldn't be eaten properly with a fork.
Many foreign students, following the Eastern scholars' example, began tentatively tasting their first proper Eastern meal. Their eyes lit up as the flavors registered. The Great Hall fell into a focused silence, broken only by the clinking of cutlery and contented murmurs.
Grindelwald, observing from the staff table, shook his head slightly. As a former Durmstrang student, he was bemused by how rustic his alma mater's representatives seemed. His gaze landed on Viktor Krum, who was enthusiastically devouring a bowl of rice. Grindelwald sighed. At least Hogwarts had Erwin.
Although Grindelwald hadn't begun teaching yet—Dumbledore had granted him time to prepare his curriculum—he knew enough about the school's prominent figures. Erwin was the one who truly embodied the legacy of Hogwarts.
Erwin ate quietly, occasionally speaking with Sunny Finch. Suddenly, a voice came from behind him.
"Erwin. We meet again."
He turned. Fleur Delacour stood there, smiling.
"Miss Delacour," he greeted politely. They'd met during a prefect exchange and had corresponded since—mostly regarding Erwin's future plans involving magical creatures. The Veela blood in her veins was striking; the stares from the surrounding students proved it.
Fleur smiled. "Did you receive my last letter? You didn't reply. I was considering writing again."
Erwin remembered. He'd been traveling at the time and had simply forgotten.
"My apologies," he said smoothly. "I was occupied with other matters."
"It's quite alright," Fleur replied. "Do you mind if I join you?"
"Not at all," Erwin gestured to an empty spot. A nearby Slytherin immediately vacated their seat.
Fleur circled the table and sat directly opposite Erwin. Pansy and Hermione glared at her. They had disliked this woman's forwardness for years; there was no need for her to insert herself further.
Sunny Finch, however, watched Fleur with genuine interest. She seemed quite striking.
Charlotte, meanwhile, appeared focused on her meal, as if Fleur didn't exist. Internally, though, she was assessing Fleur's value to her master and how Erwin might best utilize this connection.
Fleur felt the hostile glares from Hermione and Pansy. A small smile played on her lips. "It seems someone doesn't appreciate my company."
"Perhaps," Erwin said, taking a sip of tea. "But you're sitting here regardless."
Fleur laughed softly. "Exactly. I don't intend to let them dictate my actions. So, Erwin, would you mind acting as my guide? I've heard so much about the mysteries of Hogwarts, the largest school in the West. I'd love to see it through your eyes."
"I plan to show Sunny Finch around later," Erwin said. "One more person won't make a difference."
Fleur looked at the girl beside Erwin. "Hello. I'm Fleur Delacour, of Beauxbatons."
"Sunny Finch," she replied, shaking the offered hand. "From Kunlun."
Fleur nodded and turned to Charlotte. "Charlotte. Good to see you again."
"Miss Fleur," Charlotte returned the smile evenly. "It has been a while."
"Indeed," Fleur said. "It's a pity we live so far apart. We should visit one another more often. We are of similar age, after all."
"There will be opportunities," Charlotte replied.
Erwin finished his last bite of rice. "Enough pleasantries. If you're finished, let's go. I feel like if I stay any longer, I'll be on the receiving end of every envious glare in this hall."
He glanced around. Sure enough, many students were looking at him with a mixture of jealousy and awe. When Erwin caught their eyes, they quickly looked away.
Fleur and the others agreed immediately. As they stood to leave, Draco whispered to Harry Potter beside him.
"Did you see that, Potter? Erwin is truly exceptional. I wonder which of them will eventually become part of the Cavendish family."