After finalizing the menu, Anduin and Augusta began preparing the ingredients that afternoon. Augusta also brought out some exquisite ceramic dishes and the large silver-plated serving pieces they would need for the buffet.
Early the next morning, Anduin and Augusta got to work prepping the ingredients. Augusta kept using cooking magic to knead dough, as she was responsible for making the bread, desserts, fruit drinks, and other refreshments for the luncheon. Anduin worked on three cutting boards at once, swiftly preparing pork, chicken, lamb chops, ham, and more. He sorted all the meat, vegetables, seasonings, and other ingredients they would need and set everything out, so it would be ready to use later.
Frank and Alice rarely got a day off, and they were excited to hear they could host a party. They helped arrange tables and serving stations in the yard, then cast spells around the area, putting up several Muggle Banishing Charms and Shield Charms. Although quite a few wizards lived in the village, there were plenty of Muggles too, and they didn't want to be disturbed.
Just as Anduin turned on the four-burner stove and started with the dishes that took the longest to cook, like Chicken Stew with Mushrooms and braised pork, the first guests arrived.
The Diggory family were the first to show up: Amos Diggory and his wife, along with their son Cedric Diggory, who was almost four.
Hearing voices in the living room, Anduin went to the kitchen doorway and peeked out.
The Diggory couple looked like an ordinary married pair, both a little on the plump side. Cedric stayed close to his parents, but his curious little head kept swiveling as he looked around. When he noticed Anduin watching him, his cheeks flushed shyly, and he smiled at him.
Anduin smiled back