Hufflepuff In The Family

First Days of School

September 6th, 1991

I have just completed my first week at Hogwarts. It was hell. Well, that might be a little overdramatic but it wasn't pleasant. The day after we got to Hogwarts was a Monday. We all woke up bright and early because Hannah's cat decided it wanted to jump on every one of us in the morning. Once we were up and dressed Danielle, Kelly and I all went down to the Great Hall for breakfast. Professor Sprout came round with all of our time tables. She smiled at each of us as she handed them to us.

When I got mine, I looked down and studied it carefully. I groaned loudly. "What's the matter, Regina?" Kelly asked me.

"We have Charms with Gryffindors first." My two new friends looked at me, confused at why I wasn't excited.

"And that's bad because..." Danielle prodded. "We have it with Gryffindors. Which means my brother is gonna want to talk to me and give me the pity talk about being in Hufflepuff." The two girls suddenly went very quiet and pale. The looked at me with wide eyes.

"Actually I planned on making that speech now if you don't mind," came my brother's voice from behind me. He was getting some strange looks from my fellow Hufflepuffs because Gryffindors never interact with anyone that isn't in their house. I turned around, plastering a smile on my face.

"Ah, brother dearest. How may I help you this morning?" I asked, my voice thick with sarcasm.  He rolled his eyes at me.

"You'd think I would be used to your sarcasm by now," he muttered. "I wanted to see if you're okay after yesterday. You looked a little 'off' after the sorting yesterday."

"Nope, I'm perfectly fine. I mean I always knew I was the best in our family and now the rest of you can't deny it." I patted his cheek condescendingly. He took a deep breath. 

"Glad to see your sense of humour still intact. If you're good apart from that I'll go finish my breakfast."

"Thy breakfast awaits thee, my Lord." I fake bowed to him. He ruffled my hair affectionately before returning to where Harry was waiting for him at the Gryffindor table.

During breakfast, the owls came with the post. I looked over and saw Percy, Fred and George, and Ron all get letters from a brown owl. After they'd all received their letters, the bird turned and flew to me, a thin slip of parchment still attached to its leg. I placed my head in my hands, already expecting a heartfelt letter from mum. However, when I got the letter I was pleasantly surprised. It was from Dad.

Gina,

I think we were all shocked to hear you were put into Hufflepuff. Well all except me. Your mother always saw you as the quietest of our bunch and your brothers saw you as their punching bag but me, I always saw you as strong spirited and the kindest person I've ever known. You're far too level-headed to ever be a Gryffindor and quite frankly if you had been one I'd have been disappointed. I've never been prouder to have you as my daughter. 

Love Dad

P.S mum wrote the letters to the boys so don't tell them I gave you the special honour of having me write to you.

After reading the letter, I held it to my heart for a moment and smiled. Maybe being in Hufflepuff wasn't the worst thing.

After breakfast, I walked with Kelly and Danielle to Charms. As soon as we left the hall, Ron and Harry caught up to us. "Hey Gina," Ron said. "Did you get a letter from mum?" He asked. I smirked remembering Dad's plea to keep his letter from the other boys. I decided I wanted to rub it in.