The Hufflepuff common room is located in the basement of Hogwarts Castle. The entrance is hidden among large wooden barrels in the corner of the kitchen corridor. To access it, you need to tap on the bottom of the second barrel in the second row in a specific rhythm, as set by Helga Hufflepuff. When done correctly, the lid rotates open, revealing a passageway that leads into the common room.
Unlike the changing passwords or riddles used by the other houses, Hufflepuff uses the same entry method for all seven years, making it quite convenient.
...
"Remember, it's Helga Hufflepuff's rhythm," instructed the Hufflepuff prefect, Karen Harris, demonstrating the correct tapping order at a rapid pace.
A nervous first-year boy asked, "What if I mess up the order? My memory isn't very good."
"It gets worse than that!" Harris said with a grin as he tapped the barrels incorrectly. Immediately, a stream of vinegar poured out of a nearby barrel, right where he'd been standing a moment before.
"As you can see, getting the rhythm wrong results in vinegar dousing the intruder," Harris explained as he cleaned up the mess with his wand. "Trust me, you don't want to smell like vinegar all day. Just remember the sequence—it's not that hard."
After demonstrating the correct sequence again, Harris led the first-years through the passage.
At the end of the tunnel was a large, circular room—the Hufflepuff common room. Unlike the grandiose feel of the Great Hall, this room had a cozy atmosphere, with a low ceiling, soft black-and-yellow sofas, and various plant decorations along the walls.
Kyle took in the scene, his attention quickly drawn to the array of plants, some of which were quite rare and expensive. He spotted Rue, Dictamni, Wind Whispering Grass, and Wind Chime Sunflowers. The last of these, he recalled, cost around 300 Galleons, a hefty price for a decoration.
"It's like Professor Sprout's showing off her herbology expertise," Kyle mused, forcing himself to stop eyeing the plants longingly.
On one side of the room was a large wooden mantelpiece with a carved badger, Hufflepuff's emblem, and several jars filled with snacks.
Above the fireplace hung a portrait of Helga Hufflepuff herself, smiling warmly and holding a golden cup.
...
Soon, upper-year students began filtering in, greeting the new arrivals with enthusiasm and sharing various sweets as gifts. Kyle found himself with his pockets stuffed full of candy and treats, enough to last him for a month.
"Pretty cozy, isn't it?" Cedric said, clapping Kyle on the shoulder. "None of the other houses have a setup like this."
Kyle brushed off Cedric's hand, pretending to be annoyed. "What's the matter, Diggory? Not worried about Snape right now?"
Cedric laughed. "Oh, come on, that was just for show. We're still friends, right?"
Kyle rolled his eyes, distancing himself from Cedric, though he wasn't actually mad. He knew Cedric was just teasing, but the playful rivalry between them sometimes rubbed him the wrong way.
Despite his annoyance, something about Cedric's behavior felt oddly familiar, particularly the way he switched moods so easily. It reminded Kyle of... someone. But who?
After a moment of trying to recall, Kyle gave up. "Must've been the Weasley twins," he muttered.
...
As the common room grew busier, Harris called for the first-years to gather on the sofas. He explained that the professors had asked him to go over the school rules in advance. To make the meeting more enjoyable, he and a female prefect had fetched cookies and fresh juice from the kitchen next door—a perk only Hufflepuff enjoyed.
Snacks quickly filled the tables, and Harris welcomed everyone to help themselves.
"Welcome to Hufflepuff! Just remember a few basic rules, and you'll be fine. First..."
While Harris continued talking, Kyle spotted Kanna sitting on the edge of the group. He quietly moved over to her.
"Hey, I went too far earlier," Kyle whispered. "I'm sorry."
Kanna, startled at first, looked up at Kyle and smiled shyly. "No, it's my fault. I should've realized you were joking. Hogwarts wouldn't use that kind of spell to sort us."
Kyle shook his head. "A joke should be funny for both people. I scared you, so it's my fault. I'm really sorry."
After seeing Kyle's sincerity, Kanna bit her lip and said, "I accept your apology."
She then lightly hit Kyle on the shoulder. "Now we're even."
Her punch was barely noticeable, but Kyle smiled. "Wait, hold on a second."
He rummaged through his pocket and pulled out some of the prettiest wrapped candies, offering them to her. "Here, take these as a real apology. Now we're even."
Kanna hesitated but took the candies. She unwrapped one and popped it into her mouth before holding one out to Kyle. "Want one?"
Kyle waved his hand. "No, thanks. Who in their right mind eats licorice candy? Even cruppies wouldn't eat it."
With a satisfied smile, Kanna laughed, and they both enjoyed the moment of reconciliation.
(End of Chapter)
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