Curt used a firework charm that he'd only later realize came from the Weasley twins.
Everyone in the room turned to look at him, including children who were wrestling with their friends on the floor.
"Family doesn't quit." Curt said sharply. "You don't give someone the boot."
People stared at Curt, who brushed his hair out of his eyes. "Professor Sprout knows how to deal with a rogue branch. She bends it, trusses it up, binds it until it grows where she wants." Curt's eyes stared out at everyone. "We'll do the same."
The look of relief on the transgressors faces gave Harry hope. Gryffs might not have managed this, but Harry knew that Hufflepuffs cared about each other, that they wouldn't be the house they were, if they booted people out.
Others set about talking about punishments, which was fine. Curt just settled himself down and listened. He'd said his piece, and that was what was needed.
Cedric and some of the older Puffs were coming up with rules, but Curt tapped Justin on the shoulder, "Can you get me more books on Hufflepuff Dark Lords?"
Justin eyed him for a moment, and then nodded. "Sure."
Curt said, "Thanks. If we're lucky, this might just be more than history." Curt had plans, again, and that felt good. He'd been without plans for a while -other than hiding, and some lost Gryffindor part of him hated hiding more than anything else. His Slytherin side didn't much care what kind of plan it was, so long as it existed.
[a/n: Long time no see. Reviews get you more story.]