The Smiling Hufflepuff

Book One

The Smiling Hufflepuff

September 2036

"..HUFFLEPUFF!" The sorting hat's voice boomed, allowing blinding lights into my sight forcing me to squint at the sight of it, I could hear the Hufflepuff table cheering deafeningly.

"We got the late bloomer!" Jovial cheers surrounded the hall from the Hufflepuff table. I stood up, and meekly trotted to the Hufflepuff table, the first years quickly moved in to make space for me. "Sit with me!" a young voice caught my attention. "My name is Scott! Jo Scott, but you can call me Jo." She held her hand out for me to shake it and I took it. "Eve. It is very nice to meet you Jo" I was quickly grabbed by the shoulder by other Hufflepuff classmates, curious to know about me. I happily entertained them. Answering any questions they may have for me. Questions such as how I became a late bloomer, how it was discovered and even blood status, but the conversation was cut short.

"Quidditch tryouts will begin by the end of this month." A clear sharp voice boomed the hall. "Year 3 and above are allowed to participate. That is all. Eat in." It was the headmistress, McGonagall, donned in her black coat with a sharp pointy hat. Food suddenly appeared in thin air, Fried Chicken, nuggets, and even vegetables in a gold plate. My mouth watered. It's been so long since I last ate a feast. By my side, Jo quickly stole what meat she could find and I followed suit. There were further speeches that happened, something about NEWTs.

 I surveyed my surroundings, seeing other long tables. Gryffindor, Slytherin, and Ravenclaw bearing each of their flags with pride by its roof.

The Hufflepuff table suddenly got up and headed out of the Great Hall, Jo took hold of my sleeve robe and pulled me "We have to follow them!" I nodded. I am a 'late-bloomer' as they called it. Only entered Hogwarts in my 5th year, at 15 years old. And yet, I am already being manhandled by a child. For shame Eve.

The long line led us to a dead end of the school with barrels neatly stacked atop one another. A Hufflepuff prefect beckoned everyone to squeeze near him "Listen up Puffs. Our house is nothing so basic as the Gryffindors, Ravenclaw or even the Slytherin. Our dormitory's password is simply this.'' He held his hand up in a fist and knocked on the barrels beside him.

'Knock-knock-knock-knock-knock- I stared at him, wondering what he is doing, THAT's a password? The barrels immediately gave way inside and vanished from the naked eye. "Welcome to Hufflepuff." The prefect smile dramatically, letting the first years be the first to go in, and I last. I gave him a nod of thanks.

It was warm. Tall windows by the walls that allowed warm light to enter. It smelled like Eggs. "HO HO! Welcome, welcome! Be careful there children!" A loud voice took my attention to my right. It was a talking portrait. "What's this? A transfer student? Who are you?" My eyes are still wide open. "My name's von Flores. Sir.." "Eldritch Diggory is mine! A Pleasure to meet you young lady! Quite curious that Hogwarts allowed a transfer to enter, why I --" I opened my mouth "Oh no sir. I entered Hogwarts quite late you see." Eldritch eyes widened with a hint of amusement.

 "A late bloomer?! Well well! WELCOME to Hogwarts! Magic is truly a beautiful thing, no?" I nod at him with his approval. "Mr Diggory, if you don't mind, I need our 'late-bloomer' to quickly find her new bedroom" the same prefect came behind my back with a soft pat on my shoulder. "Of course, of course, go along now you two." The portrait then went on to say its greetings to other passing students.

"Quite a talkative portrait that one. Eldritch Diggory" The prefect said, I giggled
"In any case, take the left staircase here. It's the girls dormitory" The prefect pointed the majestic brown stairs. "Find the last number, that's yours." He smiled and took his leave. I couldn't ask for his name before he was swarmed by other 1st year Hufflepuffs clamoring for quidditch information.