章 45: Hot Pot

On Sunday, when Ethan took the Baruffio's Brain Elixir to the twins to discuss sales, he met Cedric through their introduction.

They suggested that Cedric could be responsible for the sales at Hufflepuff House.

Unlike the twins, who are famous for their pranks in Gryffindor, Cedric is well-regarded in Hufflepuff for his excellent character and knowledge.

Cedric, having tested the Baruffio's Brain Elixir, patted his chest and assured Ethan:

"Hufflepuff will be in good hands. You don't know how some of the fifth-year students are so anxious that they can't even eat."

For Hufflepuff, not being able to eat is a significant issue.

Although five gold galleons is a bit expensive, many in Hufflepuff can afford it. Magic potions are costly, and you can't expect others to sell them at a loss!

"Cedric, we've introduced you to a good business, so you have to treat us to a good meal."

Fred put his arm around Cedric's shoulders and wore a mischievous expression.

The four houses of Hogwarts usually eat in the Great Hall, where the food is consistent—neither rich nor bad. However, Hufflepuff is close to the kitchen and has a good relationship with the house-elves, so they can cook their own food.

But many badgers don't like this, thinking it's too much trouble for the house-elves. They will only cook their own food in the common room for special occasions or birthdays.

Now, the twins want to use Cedric's connections to arrange something special.

"Okay, meeting Ethan today is indeed worth celebrating."

Cedric nodded in agreement without hesitation.

"Can you prepare the ingredients and cook it yourself?"

Ethan asked. Compared to traditional fried steaks and lamb chops, Ethan prefers hot pot. With the daytime temperature around ten degrees, it's perfect for hot pot.

Before entering the wizarding world, Ethan often cooked hot pot at home during the winter.

Before coming to Hogwarts, he brought some hot pot base, which he bought at a high price from an authentic Chinese restaurant in London's Chinatown. Unlike those modified for local tastes, his hot pot is quite authentic.

Originally, he planned to wait until the weather was colder and go to the Forbidden Forest to gather mushrooms and game for hot pot. Now that he has the chance, he won't miss it.

"The house-elves in the Hogwarts kitchen cook very well. We don't need to do it ourselves."

George, not believing in Ethan's cooking skills, immediately began to dissuade him.

"Hot pot, a Muggle delicacy from China. I'll write down the ingredients for Cedric, and he can ask the house-elves to prepare it. You'll understand once you try it."

Ethan knew explanations might not be clear. Even in the Muggle world, China was seen as backward in Great Britain, and there was little understanding of it.

Not to mention the closed wizarding world, where it's likely they don't even know where China is.

There are eleven wizarding schools in this world, two of which are in Japan and the Middle East, but there's nothing about China.

"Okay, you write it down and I'll prepare it. But the kitchen might not have all the ingredients."

Cedric scratched his head. He didn't understand what Ethan meant by hot pot but didn't want to spoil the fun for his new friend.

George and Fred were also intrigued and naturally wouldn't refuse.

Ethan wrote down just a few items: thinly sliced beef and mutton, shrimp, vegetables, wild mushrooms, lettuce, radish, potatoes, and chili oil and sesame.

After handing the note to Cedric, Ethan returned to the dormitory to get the hot pot base and brought butterbeer as well.

...

To enter the Hufflepuff common room, one must knock on the wooden barrel. Led by Cedric, the group entered.

It was lunchtime, and no one was inside except Ethan and the other three.

"The dishes will be brought by the house-elves later. What should we do next?"

"I'll take care of it. It'll be ready soon."

Ethan set up the cleaned crucible, turned on the alcohol lamp below to the maximum, fried the hot pot base first, and then added enough water.

"It's ready. When the dishes come, just put them in and you can start eating."

"Is this a potion?"

Fred swallowed his saliva and asked in disbelief.

It looks very spicy, but the taste makes people salivate. Is this really edible?

"The way Muggles eat it has nothing to do with potions."

While answering Fred, Ethan used the freezing spell to cool the butterbeer.

Not long after, the house-elves brought the dishes over, and the water in the crucible had already boiled.

After Ethan made a simple dipping sauce with chili oil and sesame for everyone, he began to add the ingredients. He also used Transfiguration to create tongs for picking up the ingredients from the crucible, as they didn't know how to use chopsticks.

Due to the limited ingredients available, there were no other dips. They would have to prepare for some burning discomfort the next day.

Cedric and the others watched as Ethan ate beef and mutton in big mouthfuls after dipping them in chili oil. Unable to resist the temptation, they tried a piece of meat and couldn't stop.

They fished out the ingredients with shining eyes, eating non-stop while "sighing" in delight.

"I say, can you slow down and eat some vegetables? Eating only meat isn't good for your stomach."

Ethan felt the pressure. These three seemed to be starving ghosts reincarnated. Not only did they eat quickly, but they also focused solely on the meat.

Burp!

After drinking a mouthful of butterbeer, George said to Ethan while picking up more meat: "My stomach is fine. If yours isn't, you can eat more of the other ingredients."

"Nelly, can you prepare some more beef and mutton for us?"

Seeing that there wasn't much meat left on the plate, Cedric asked the house-elf for more dishes.

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