Dear Readers,
Today, I returned from a long journey around the globe. Of course, as a witch, I can apparate to whatever place I enjoy and learn more about various cultures in the Wizarding World. What I personally thoroughly enjoy about new, foreign cultures is the food. I enjoy visiting friends and being invited to their banquets and feasts. I wonder, what do our Slytherin Legends think about this topic? So I set out to do my duty once again during a calm moment of the day. I am meeting Armoracia at the Three Broomsticks. As promised, there are not many people around at this hour, which makes for a calm environment where we drink a butterbeer. It isn't long before we also order some snacks. I start by asking Armoracia the first questions with much excitement.
MR: How does it feel to be a Slytherin Legend?
A: Very odd, really. I'm absolutely honored to be ranked among the Heirs of Slytherin, but it's an accolade I never expect to achieve. My ambitions lie elsewhere - Quidditch, for example, or puzzle solving. I certainly don't think of myself as a Legend!
MR: When thinking about all Slytherin Legends, Canon or not, who would you most likely like to prepare a large feast for?
A: Hmmm. That's a very interesting question. My first thought - Severus Snape - wouldn't really be a good choice. He's not likely to prefer such demonstrations. So I'd have to go with Rita Skeeter. Not only would she make an interesting honored guest all on her own, but if I stack the guest list properly, I could learn quite a lot of interesting facts without even trying!
MR: Which main course do you think the Malfoy family likes?
A: Hmmm. Something upscale yet tasteful. I think of the Malfoys as probably considering themselves a "cut above" but not in an overly ostentatious way. Pheasant, or possibly quail.
While enjoying these questions, we also enjoy our scones with clotted cream and strawberry jam, something I missed during my travels. I am loving to meet this fascinating Slytherin Legend, who is wearing fascinating clothes, deep purple robes and dragonhide boots dyed in this same purple hue that I truly love. Armoracia is also wearing a Slytherin crest, which makes me feel very proud and no doubt it does too to this Slytherin Legend!
MR: Which dessert would Voldemort not mind being woken up for at night?
A: Hmmmmm. Honestly, I've no clue. I can't imagine the Dark Lord ever being pleased at being roused from slumber for a reason not of his own bidding. It would have to be something both incredible and worthy, though. Something that only he, himself, could have dreamt up.
MR: What type of food do you like the very best?
A: I suppose "all of it" really isn't an answer, so I'll give you my top three non-snack-or-sweets. First, pizza. All shapes, kinds, varieties, and myriad toppings. Second, I'm a meat-and-potatoes witch. I love "roast beast", as we used to call it - the term encompassed beef, lamb, chicken, even venison - and whipped-mashed potatoes are my favorite, although jacket potatoes are also delicious. Finally, I'd have to say I have a real love of shellfish, although I don't eat that very often. As you can see, it's very hard for me to narrow things down - I didn't even mention the variety of vegetables and nearly all fruits that I enjoy. Or the breads... mmmm. I'm getting hungry!
MR: Imagine a large feast; how would it look like? For instance, how would the table be decorated, and what would the cutlery be like?
A: Oh - round tables, for one. Those make it easier to talk to others and to pass things. There would be large lazy susans in the middle of each table so that one could simply spin and reach whatever dish one desired. The tables would be covered in shining silver and gold, alternating with both napkins and cutlery matching the table's theme - hints of red for the gold tables and blue for the silver. Replenishment charms would be placed on both the serving dishes and the goblets - which would be of beautifully cut Irish Waterford crystal. The room would be festooned with plants such as ivy and honeysuckle vines, creating a sense of nature to complement the feast. The wait staff would also be clothed in shades of green to carry on the nature theme.
MR: Who of Canon characters do you think would utterly misbehave at such a feast and thus never invited?
A: Crabbe and Goyle. They have no sense of delicacy and would simply try to make a beeline for the sweets and would run havoc with the lazy susans, making a mess. They would definitely not be invited.
Thank you for this lovely interview! I always enjoy meeting new Slytherin Legends. Perhaps it is one of you, next, dear readers?
Love,
Milena Racheli