The Hufflepuff Magical Research Society

After resting against the wall for a while, Jon picked up a roll of gauze and began wrapping the bruised areas on his arm. Then, he drank a small bottle of pain-relief potion. Thankfully, it was just a flesh wound; otherwise, he would have had to go to the school hospital. The pain gradually subsided, and Jon stood up, changing into a new Hufflepuff robe in the Room of Requirement before leaving.

Jon was someone with strong resilience. He had known this about himself for a long time, and he was aware of his own character. Whether you called it adaptability or the ability to adjust to new environments, Jon didn't deny that he possessed these qualities. Except for now.

The pain-relief potion worked wonders, but once its effects wore off, the dull ache in Jon's arm and chest began spreading uncontrollably, especially when those areas were touched. This pain made it impossible for him to concentrate, even though there were no bone injuries. There was certainly some bruising, and Jon couldn't explain the origin of his injuries to the school hospital. He had already disposed of the clothes he was wearing when he was hit by the unicorn in the Room of Requirement.

The body's recovery during the growth period was rapid, and as long as he avoided strenuous activity, he would heal quickly. Realizing this, Jon spent the following days in quiet, surprising Stephen and the others with his change.

As time passed, Hogwarts saw several more snowfalls, covering the entire school in white. The weather in the Scottish Highlands was harsh, and Jon was well aware of it, so he stayed indoors as much as possible, preferring the warmth of the dormitory over the cold winds outside. Only those filled with adventurous ideas would venture out in such weather.

Sitting in a chair with a warm cup of tea, Jon closed his eyes contentedly, mentally practicing the magical array that Helga had taught him. The semester was coming to an end, and Hufflepuff students were finally starting to remember what Professor Sprout had mentioned. Recently, the common room was buzzing with speculation about what this "help" actually entailed, but Jon was the least anxious.

He believed that Professor Sprout wouldn't deceive him, and she had indeed been quite busy lately. Many older students were helping her take care of the magical plants, ensuring that they grew well and survived the cold winter days. This was a Hufflepuff tradition, as their students always had a knack for this kind of thing.

After nearly two weeks of recovery, the bruising on Jon's arm had completely faded, and the dull ache in his chest was gone. He had returned to his previous level of physical fitness, which wasn't surprising given the amount of food he had consumed recently. Jon's mood had improved, and the atmosphere around him had relaxed considerably. He went about his days with a calm and cautious demeanor, making Stephen and the others slightly nervous, though they didn't voice their concerns.

Fortunately, just before Christmas, Professor Sprout fulfilled her promise. One morning, while they were having breakfast in the Great Hall, an owl dropped a frosty envelope in front of Jon. The letter was from Professor Sprout, who had informed him in advance about the society. After all, Jon was the one who had proposed it, and she had included some of her own ideas in the letter.

Jon thought her ideas were excellent and much more detailed than the proposal he had submitted. He carefully tucked the letter into his pocket and shared the news with his three roommates.

"So, does this mean the society has nothing to do with us? We just need to participate?" Flynn asked as he nibbled on a pastry, his eyes fixed on Jon.

"It seems that way, right? Professor said she'll post the announcement in the common room this Saturday and hold a meeting in an empty classroom nearby," Jon replied.

"Is there an empty classroom near the common room?" Jon nodded. "The school has plenty of empty classrooms, hidden behind the portraits. The one Professor chose is between the kitchen and the common room. I remember it being quite large, big enough for students from all years."

Since the society was open to all students in the school, it required a spacious meeting place. "If that's the case, I'm looking forward to it. But can the society really get off the ground? Will people feel strange about it and not join right away?" Jon thought Scali had a valid concern, but Professor Sprout had assured them that she would handle these issues.

"If the professor says so, then we probably don't need to worry too much. Anyway, it's only two days until Saturday. Let's wait and see how things turn out," Jon suggested, and the three of them continued their meal.

On Saturday morning, Stephen dragged Jon from the dormitory to the common room, where the promotion of the society had already begun. Many older students were explaining the meaning of the society to Hufflepuff students. Jon scanned the area and noticed that most of them were the same students who had been helping Professor Sprout with the magical plants recently.

The notice board was placed in front of the Hufflepuff portrait, and as Jon looked at it, the portrait of Helga Hufflepuff winked at him. Clearly, she was pleased with the formation of the society.

Jon nodded slightly in response to Helga and then turned his attention to the notice board. This time, the notice was large and filled with slogans:

"This society was founded by Professor Pomona Sprout.

Its sole purpose is to enhance students' learning.

Learn the knowledge you haven't mastered.

Learn the knowledge you want to learn.

Improve your magical skills.

Fulfill your wildest ideas.

Become an excellent wizard.

Magical exploration, spell improvement, spell usage training.

Outstanding Hufflepuff students from all years will guide you.

Help you achieve good grades by the end of the school year.

The House Cup beckons to you.

This society has no membership restrictions and is open to all students in the school.

No one is born ordinary; you should have your own shining point.

Hufflepuff represents integrity and kindness, and I hope you will learn to face these values.

Magic represents mystery, and you should learn to use it, analyze it, and change it.

I sincerely hope that my students will have no fear on the path of magical research.

You are cordially invited to join.

Hufflepuff Magical Research Society, Pomona Sprout."