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*****
"So, what were we talking about?"
After their introductions, the atmosphere in the compartment had brightened considerably.
"We were discussing Gryffindor, the house of champions and warriors."
Hermione recalled their previous conversation with clarity.
"Our headmaster, Albus Dumbledore, is a Gryffindor alumnus. He's such an amazing wizard!" Hermione's admiration for Dumbledore was evident. "He's the only one Voldemort fears and avoids. The most powerful white wizard in Europe, with many contributions to alchemy and numerous great inventions!"
Neville, sitting beside her, nodded vigorously, his round face flushed.
"If I could choose a house, I'd most like to go to Gryffindor, or maybe Ravenclaw."
Hermione flipped a page in her book. "Rowena Ravenclaw was an incredible witch. People say she possessed the highest wisdom and most profound knowledge. Only the smartest are chosen for her house. I don't know if I'm smart enough, but I'd really like to try!"
"What about you, Harry? Which house do you prefer?" Hermione turned the book towards Harry, curious.
"Gryffindor, Ravenclaw, Hufflepuff, Slytherin," Harry mulled over the four houses, which were somewhat similar but fundamentally different.
"What are these names?"
Gryffindor, as the name suggests, is a house of champions and courage, pursuing valor and glory. Founded by Godric Gryffindor, a renowned duelist with few defeats, it earned its reputation as a house of champions.
Ravenclaw focuses on tactical intelligence and teamwork. Known for their prowess in gathering and analyzing information, Ravenclaws believe that understanding oneself and one's opponent is the key to success. Rowena Ravenclaw, the house's founder, was the central strategist among the four founders.
Hufflepuff, often overlooked, was crucial in the early days of Hogwarts. Its focus is on logistics and support. Despite its modest reputation now, Hufflepuff played a vital role in early Hogwarts, emphasizing the importance of preparation and support.
Slytherin, in contrast to Gryffindor, prides itself on elite combat and strategic excellence. While Gryffindor boasts of its champions, Slytherin considers itself superior, believing that true victory is achieved through any means necessary. Slytherins view themselves as the ultimate tacticians, always striving for success.
Each house has its unique traits, and Harry's favorite was...
"Hufflepuff."
"I choose Hufflepuff."
"Why Hufflepuff?" Hermione asked, puzzled. She thought Harry had exceptional talent and that Slytherin or Gryffindor might be more fitting for him.
"Quite simply, because Hufflepuff is underestimated by everyone."
"Everyone only sees Hufflepuff's inclusiveness, kindness, and unconventional approach to nurturing talent. Just because they don't specifically seek brave, smart, or ambitious individuals, does that mean they are inherently inferior?"
"Wrong, very wrong!"
Harry tapped the book, "Hufflepuff is the only house that has never produced a Dark wizard. Hufflepuff students hold the most high-ranking positions in the Ministry of Magic and have produced the most successful businessmen. So, is Hufflepuff really ordinary?"
"No, Hufflepuff is probably the most understated and potentially powerful house at Hogwarts."
"Each house has its strengths, but their weaknesses are also more pronounced," Harry continued.
"Gryffindor is brave, but that can also lead to recklessness. Ravenclaw is intelligent, but sometimes that results in hesitation. Slytherin is cunning and ambitious, but they're known for taking shortcuts."
"It's only Hufflepuff that progresses steadily, step by step."
"I've heard a saying: Four individuals representing each house walked along a great road, heading to a distant destination at the end of the road."
"Gryffindor encountered a hungry wolf attacking a sheep on the way. He rushed in to help the sheep, without considering whether he could defeat the wolf or if the wolf would starve if it didn't get the sheep. Gryffindor only did what he wanted, without regard for other consequences, and thus fell behind."
"Ravenclaw found walking too tiring. Seeing materials by the roadside, he used his intelligence and knowledge to build a bicycle, which also caused him to fall behind."
"Slytherin thought the main road was too long and time-consuming. He chose a shortcut to reach the destination first, but he too ended up falling behind."
"It was only Hufflepuff who, undistracted, moved forward step by step. He admired the scenery along the way but didn't stop, curious about everything around him but never lingering. His goal was clear: to reach the end, and he knew that as long as he kept moving forward, the destination would come into view."
"Perhaps Gryffindor, after a hearty meal, could run with renewed energy, or maybe he met his end at the wolf's jaws. Perhaps Ravenclaw's bicycle would either fail or delay him further. Perhaps Slytherin's shortcut saved time but led him astray."
"They might reach the destination earlier than Hufflepuff but could be battered and bruised, missing out on the journey's beauty. They might also get lost, while Hufflepuff continues steadily ahead."
"I prefer Hufflepuff because success cannot be distracted by shortcuts or tricks. Success requires steadfast progress, and that's how success gets closer."
"Follow your own heart. No house is superior to another. Preferring Hufflepuff doesn't mean you must choose it too. The best house is the one that fits you best."
"Maybe choosing Gryffindor, Ravenclaw, or Slytherin will make you excel and leave me far behind."
Harry closed the book and looked out into the corridor. The sound of a cart clattering approached, and a smiling, dimpled woman pushed a cart into the compartment. "Would you like to buy some snacks from the trolley?"
Harry stood up and walked to the cheerful woman. "I'll take this, this, and these."
He returned with a pile of snacks, all of which were his favorites.
"Care to join me? It's around lunchtime," Harry said, opening his black dragon-hide bag, revealing a feast prepared by Aunt Petunia.
"Let's enjoy it together. I might have brought too much."
Eight or so insulated food containers were opened, revealing a variety of dishes that filled the compartment with delicious aromas.
Hermione looked at her pudding and sandwiches, and Neville glanced at his mistakenly packed empty food box. They both nodded, and the atmosphere brightened.
"Here, Neville, try a German pork knuckle. Don't worry, it's zero calories," Harry offered.
"And Hermione, you should try this cream mille-feuille. Don't worry, it's sugar-free," he added with a grin.
(End of Chapter)