The Kind Hufflepuff

Chapter 6: Balthus Knot

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The Kind Hufflepuff - First Year
Chapter Six: Balthus Knot
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Cali ran around the dormitory in the early hours, rushing to throw on her clothes and wrapping her tie around her neck. "Cali, what the heck?" Shouted one of her dorm mates as she threw a pillow over her head, causing the small girl to squeal in surprise.

"Sorry!" She whisper- shouted as she grabbed her shoes and ran out of the dorm, as she moved into the common room in order to put on her flats. She didn't even notice when somebody entered and sat down on the couch opposite of the young girl as she tied her shoes. The Hufflepuff common room was placed in the basement of the castle, with only three windows near the ceiling that allowed the sunshine to come through. The entire room was filled with various plants, vines were coming down the walls and wrapped around the bookcases and even reached the outrageously comfy chairs and couches.

"You still haven't figured out how to tie that, huh?" Interrupted her train of thoughts as she snapped her head to see John Stebbins, the very boy who had tied her tie the night before.

"Technically, you never taught me," Cali muttered, feeling heat rush to her cheeks.

"Let's change that now then, how about that?"

She watched as the boy stood up, walking towards her as she bit her lip and met him in the middle of the common room. He hesitantly walked closer, picking up her tie as he pulled the tie until the skinnier piece was just barely shorter the fatter one. Then you looped the fatter piece under the skinnier, wrapping the piece through the hole from the left side, right side, and then he placed the bigger piece under the ribbon which successfully created a knot and therefore perfected the tie. "It's called a Balthus knot, at least that's what my dad had said."

"I like it. Thank you," The smile was genuine as the boy blushed, nodding before smirking and immediately undid the entire piece.

"You'll never learn without some practice," John reasoned as the girl laughed.

"Walk me through the steps?"

"Of course." The girl nodded as she tried to copy the actions of what he had done earlier.

The pair of them stood there for what felt like hours, as he coached her through the steps of tying a tie for the first time. They had to restart, like when Cali lost her gripping or accidentally tied it too tight and almost strangled herself but at the end, it was practically perfect. They hugged each other, embracing the excitement just as Greta Catchlove giggled, interrupting the pair as they flew apart.

"Greta!" Cali shrieked in excitement. "I'm glad you're awake."

"You were racing around the room forever. I got up right as you left," Greta replied, rolling her eyes while she examined her outfit while frowning. "Cali, do you think I look okay?"

John looked between the two before nodding towards the entrance, "I'm gonna head to breakfast, I'll save you guys a seat."

The girls smiled softly, "Make sure you remember the password before you leave, you don't want to be doused in vinegar," Cali shouted after him, pointing towards the engraving at the top of the walls that explained the tapping pattern. The boy nodded, smiling gratefully as he examined it, trying to memorize before leaving the room.

"Greta, you look awesome," Cali finally responded, moving towards the girl as she examined her.

"No, you look awesome," the red head deadpanned, rolling her eyes as she gestured towards her. "I mean, look at what just happened between you and John. We're eleven, nobody looks at us like that and want to be around us but you're already getting that sort of attention." The insecurities of the girl became apparent as Cali frowned, placing her hands on the red head's shoulder and forcing the girl to make eye contact with her.