Chapter :13

By the time dinner ended, Adam had gotten to know all the freshmen this year and several seniors sitting nearby.

Should I mention that a love for food seems to be a common trait among Hufflepuffs?

I feel like I could open a chain of French restaurant in the wizarding world someday.

The food disappeared from the table, and Professor Dumbledore stood up, addressing everyone:

"As we begin a new term, I must remind everyone of a few things: First-year students, take note that the forest behind the school is strictly off-limits, and it would do some of our older students well to remember this as well."

Professor Dumbledore's eyes glanced over to the Gryffindor table.

"Our caretaker, Mr. Filch, has asked me to remind everyone not to cast spells in the corridors between classes. Quidditch tryouts will be held in the second week of term. Those interested in joining their House team should contact Madam Hooch."

He paused, his tone becoming more serious:

"Finally, I must warn you all: Stay away from the corridor on the right side of the fourth floor in the library. If you value your lives, do not venture there."

A hush fell over the Great Hall for a few seconds. The new students exchanged uneasy glances, while the older students appeared deep in thought at this unusual warning.

"That's all for now. Let's conclude with the school song. Choose whichever tune you like."

After the chaotic medley of the school song ended, Professor Dumbledore asked the prefects to lead their students back to their dormitories.

The four Houses separated at the staircase after leaving the Great Hall—Ravenclaw and Gryffindor going up, while Hufflepuff and Slytherin descended.

"The benefit of having our dormitory underground is that the stairs don't move around, and even during a storm, we can enjoy peaceful, quiet sleep," said one of the seniors Adam had met during dinner.

"Plus, while both our dormitory and Slytherin's are underground, ours is much warmer. Oh, here we are!"

The Hufflepuff group stopped in front of a large painting of a fruit bowl. The prefect, Bruce, turned around to face the group.

"Up ahead is the Hufflepuff common room and dormitories, but before we go in, I need to show you something. Right in front of you is the entrance to the Hogwarts kitchens—yes, right next to our dormitory."

Excited whispers broke out among the first-years, and Bruce smiled as he approached the painting.

"Watch closely. Just reach out and tickle the pear."

The pear wiggled as if laughing, then transformed into a green doorknob.

"It'll turn into a door handle, and you can pull it open to enter the kitchen. Trust me, some of you will need this after midnight when your stomach starts growling. I know I do."

Patting his belly, Bruce sighed.

"When the nights get cold, who can say no to a hot glass of pumpkin juice and a plate of grilled sausages?"

"Come on, you'd rather have an ice-cold butterbeer with chips in the summer!" teased a senior, causing a round of laughter from the Hufflepuffs.

"Oh, Vivian, don't knock me down in front of the new students. But you have to admit, it's a great combo for those warm summer nights."

Bruce shrugged off the teasing, unfazed.

"And we can get butterbeer here?" Adam asked the senior who had been guiding him.

"Not on campus, but you can get it at Hogsmeade. Once you're a third year, you can visit Hogsmeade and bring back butterbeer. The house-elves will gladly keep it for you."

The senior explained further.

"They're happy to store it for you, especially if you leave the empty barrel with them after."

After the kitchen was introduced, the group continued walking. Not far from the kitchen entrance was a stack of large oak barrels, marking the entrance to the Hufflepuff common room.

"To get in, you need to tap the lids of two of the middle barrels in the rhythm of 'Helga Hufflepuff.' The lids will rotate open when you get it right."

Bruce demonstrated for the new students.

"But don't get it wrong, or you'll be drenched in vinegar! And although we welcome students from other Houses, keep the entrance method to yourselves. Everyone needs some privacy, right?"

While he spoke, the lid of the barrel opened, and Adam, along with the others, stepped into the passage, entering the Hufflepuff common room—a cozy, low-ceilinged space with the scent of fresh earth.

The common room was decorated in warm tones of yellow and copper, mixed with green plants. A circle of round windows sat near the ceiling, and a fire burned brightly in the fireplace.

Above the mantle hung a large portrait of Helga Hufflepuff, her smile welcoming the students. She raised a golden cup in greeting.

"The passage on this side leads to the boys' dormitory, and the other side leads to the girls' dormitory. And although I trust everyone's sense of honor, boys are not allowed in the girls' dormitory to avoid any unnecessary complications," Bruce explained, clapping his hands.

"Alright, that's all for now. The older students can head to their dorms. Freshmen, follow me if you're in the boys' dormitory, and girls, follow Vivian—she's your prefect."

Bruce led the male first-years to their dormitory, which resembled a large oak barrel. After saying goodbye to the enthusiastic prefect, Adam entered the room with his new roommates.

Among his roommates were Uther Ramses and Robert Lancelok, both of whom had sat next to Adam during dinner. There were also two others:

Eugene Krall, a tall boy who had been quiet throughout dinner, mostly listening. Adam learned one thing about Eugene—he loved fish. This became apparent when he asked Adam twice if there was fish on the menu and how it was prepared.

Then there was Colin Pamir, a lively boy who introduced himself enthusiastically. He loved Quidditch, wizard chess, Gobstones, and other games. Adam also learned that Colin's family bred magical creatures and ran a shop called Rare Birds and Beasts in Hogsmeade.

Under the warm light of the copper lamps, five black-and-yellow four-poster beds awaited the new students, each with a name plaque on the posts. Robert, ever the bold one, claimed his bed first.

"Wow! This dorm is bigger than I expected."

Robert glanced around, then froze when he saw the towering pile of luggage next to Adam's bed.

"Whoa! What is all that?"

Adam, who had been unpacking, looked over and smiled.

"Just some books I ordered from Flourish and Blotts. Looks like they've been delivered."

"Books?" Colin's eyes widened.

"That many? Did you buy out Flourish and Blotts?"

"Almost," Adam replied, touching his chin thoughtfully. "I did buy most of their stock. I enjoy reading."

"I can tell." Colin shuddered, clearly not as enthusiastic about books. He turned to the others.

"Who's up for a shower? I saw a map of the common room, and I know where the showers are!"

( End of the chapters)

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