1st of September, 1975
The morning sun cast a golden glow on the bustling chaos of Platform 9¾. Excitement crackled through the air like fireworks, each pop and sizzle reverberating with anticipation. Jane, heart pounding a frantic rhythm against her ribs, scanned the sea of students and parents. Relief, sweet and welcome, washed over her as she spotted Eleanor's distinctive chocolate-coloured hair bobbing amidst the crowd. A wide grin stretched across Jane's face.
"Jane! Over here!" Eleanor's wave was a beacon in the bustling crowd, her smile as bright as the summer sun. Jane hurried towards her, the weight of her trunk forgotten in her eagerness.
"Hey, Eleanor! And there's Olivia too!" A warm embrace enveloped her friends, their presence a comforting anchor in the swirling chaos of the station.
Olivia stood tall, her prefect badge gleaming like a freshly minted coin. A proud smirk curved her lips. "Jane, it's great to see you. Ready for another year at Hogwarts?" Her voice was a mix of excitement and authority.
Jane nodded, "Definitely. It's good to see you both."
With a flurry of activity, the friends wrestled their trunks into the cramped overhead racks. Grunts and laughter filled the compartment as Olivia, ever the pragmatist, coordinated the effort. Jane, after a final heave that left her pleasantly breathless, collapsed onto the plush seat beside Eleanor. A sigh of relief escaped her lips, and she stretched out luxuriously, the comforting rhythm of the train lulling her into a state of contented relaxation.
Eleanor settled into the plush seat with a satisfied sigh. "You made it just in time, Jane. For a moment there, I was starting to worry we'd have to leave without you."
Jane rolled her eyes playfully. "Don't be dramatic, Eleanor. Like I'd miss the Hogwarts Express. Only a complete muggle would do something so foolish."
Olivia laughed, taking the seat across from them. "True, Jane's the one who keeps us all in line. I am not sure how I can survive the O.W.L's this year without you keeping me on track." Her voice was laced with a mix of amusement and genuine gratitude.
They fell into easy conversation, catching up on their summers and discussing their expectations for the new school year. Eleanor's voice was a lively melody as she recounted her summer escapades. Her hands moved with an infectious delight as she described long days spent exploring the countryside with her grandparents. The scent of grass after it rained, and the thrill of discovering hidden paths through the woods. Olivia and Jane listened intently, their faces mirroring Eleanor's enthusiasm.
"We rode horses almost every day," Eleanor gushed, her face glowing with nostalgia. "It was so peaceful, just being out in the open fields."
Olivia lay her head against the window, letting out a dreamy sigh. "That sounds amazing, Eleanor. I bet it was a nice break from city life." She paused, a thoughtful expression crossing her face. "I spent most of my summer stuck indoors, helping my dad in his apothecary. It wasn't exactly thrilling, but it was interesting."
"Definitely. It's so different from London," Eleanor agreed, mind still back in the countryside.
Jane's smile faded as she gazed out the window. "Mine was pretty quiet," she admitted, her voice soft. "You know how it is in the village - peaceful, but not exactly thrilling." A playful tug at her curls did little to distract her from the contemplative mood.
Eleanor's hand found Jane's, squeezing it gently in a silent offer of comfort. "I wish you could have come with me, Jane. Maybe next summer?" Her voice held a genuine warmth.
Jane returned the squeeze, a grateful smile curving her lips. "That would be amazing, Eleanor. Thanks."
Olivia leaned forward, her expression earnest. "Well, this year is going to be different, Jane. I promise. We'll make it the best year yet. And hey, now that I'm a prefect, I can officially boss people around – for your benefit, of course."
Jane chuckled, a warmth spreading through her. "Thanks, Olivia. You two are the best."
The train clicked and clacked along the tracks, its rhythmic pulse a soothing counterpoint to their lively conversation. They traded stories of the summer, their voices filled with excitement as they discussed eagerly anticipated classes, magical spells they hoped to master, and the endless possibilities of exploring the castle's hidden corners.
"You know," Eleanor began, pushing her glasses up her nose, "we've been through so much together these past five years. Remember that time in third year when we accidentally turned Mrs. Norris purple?"
Olivia chuckled, shaking her head. "I thought Filch was going to have our heads. But we managed to charm our way out of it, as usual. Two weeks of detention is much better than anything Filch wanted to do to us."
The memory warmed Jane's heart. "And what about that time we stayed up all night in the common room, trying to finish that History of Magic essay?"
Eleanor laughed, a clear note of fondness in her voice. "We were delirious by the end of it."
"But we got an O on the assignment!" Jane exclaimed, a proud grin spreading across her face.
Olivia burst into laughter, her body shaking with mirth. "Oh, of course that's all you care about! You're such a teacher's pet."
Their laughter filled the compartment, a joyful, infectious melody that danced with the rhythm of the train. Jane looked at her friends, their faces flushed with merriment, and felt a swell of love and gratitude. These were her people, her confidantes, her sisters. Nothing in the world could replace the bond they shared.
The landscape outside blurred into a kaleidoscope of green, the familiar silhouette of Hogwarts emerging from the mist. Jane's heart pounded rapidly against her chest. The magic of the castle, its ancient walls and towering spires, held an irresistible allure. The Sorting Ceremony loomed ahead, a mysterious rite of passage, and the promise of the Great Hall, laden with feasts.
Eleanor leaned back, a wistful smile playing on her lips. "Can you believe it's our fifth year already? It feels like just yesterday we were nervous wrecks, stepping onto this platform for the very first time."
Olivia nodded, a thoughtful expression crossing her face. "Time really does fly when you're having fun, doesn't it?"
Jane chuckled softly. "Definitely. I wouldn't have wanted to spend these past five years with anyone else but you two."
Eleanor laid her head on Jane's shoulder, her face getting covered in Jane's curls. "Same here, Jane. We're in this together, always."
Olivia eventually excused herself, a sense of duty evident in her posture as she headed towards the prefect's carriage. Jane and Eleanor settled back into a comfortable silence, their thoughts drifting as the world outside blurred into a tapestry of green and brown.
The train slowed to a gentle halt, its rhythmic chugging replaced by the eager buzz of disembarking students. Jane and Eleanor gathered their belongings, and joined the mob of students ready to start school. As they stepped onto the platform, the familiar sight of Hagrid, towering over the first-years, filled them with a sense of homecoming.
"Let's go find our seats at the feast," Eleanor said, her voice filled with excitement. She turned and began to weave her way through the crowd of students, her determination to reach the Great Hall evident in her every step.
The Sorting Ceremony unfolded with its usual solemnity and anticipation, the Great Hall a sea of expectant faces. Eleanor, Jane, and Olivia sat together at the Hufflepuff table, their eyes fixed on the Sorting Hat as it made its pronouncements.
"So, about the Hufflepuff project," Olivia began, her voice low enough to avoid drawing attention, "I was thinking we could start brainstorming ideas now. We've got plenty of time before it's due, but I think we should get a head start." Her eyes flickered between Eleanor and Jane, seeking their input.
"I'm all for getting this project over with, but unfortunately, our wise old house has decided to keep us in suspense for a few more hours. Isn't it just the worst?" Jane said, rolling her eyes playfully.
Eleanor, always eager for a challenge, perked up at the idea. "Do you remember last year? I love a conversation with a portrait as much as anyone else, but making sure none of them got lonely was so time consuming!"
Jane glanced between her friends, a small smile playing on her lips. "Let's worry about that after the feast, okay? Right now, your priority Olivia is getting the new students settled into the common room. It's always a bit tricky, especially for the first-years."
Olivia agreed, respecting Jane's sound advice. "You're absolutely right," she replied. "We can tackle the project details later. Let's prioritise making sure everyone feels welcomed."
The final house echoed through the Great Hall as the Sorting Hat concluded its task. A thunderous applause erupted from the students, their excitement palpable. Headmaster Dumbledore rose, a twinkling smile gracing his face, as he prepared to address the assembled crowd.
"Welcome, dear students. A new year dawns, filled with promise and peril. You will face challenges that test your courage, your wisdom, and your character. Remember, darkness will always be present, but it is your choice whether to succumb to it or to illuminate your path with light. Choose kindness, bravery, and knowledge. Let your light shine forth, and guide others through the shadows. Now let the feast begin!"
In a breathtaking display of magic, the feast materialised on the tables, a sumptuous array of dishes that filled the hall with mouth watering aromas.
The conversation among the students grew animated as they tucked into their meals, discussing summer adventures and eagerly anticipating the year ahead. Jane couldn't help but feel a surge of pride as she looked around at her fellow Hufflepuffs, a diverse group of students united by their loyalty, hard work, and dedication.
With the remnants of the feast disappearing in a puff of magical smoke, Olivia swiftly mobilised the prefects to shepherd the wide-eyed first-years towards their designated common room. Jane and Eleanor, their Hufflepuff pride shining bright, navigated the labyrinthine corridors of Hogwarts, their group of new students trailing eagerly in their wake.
Olivia's voice, bright and cheerful, cut through the excited chatter of the first-years. "This way, everyone!" she called out, her enthusiasm as infectious as a well-placed tickle. With a flourish, she gestured towards a particularly peculiar-looking staircase.
Jane walked beside Eleanor, offering a comforting presence to a nervous first-year. "Don't worry," she assured the trembling student. "Navigating this castle takes practice, but you'll find your way around in no time. And remember, we're always here to help."
At last, they arrived at the Hufflepuff common room, a warm and inviting haven tucked away in a secluded corner of the castle. Disguised as a stack of ordinary barrels, the entrance held a secret that only the initiated knew. A perfect stepped forward, their voice filled with a mix of authority and welcome, as they began to explain the magical properties of the barrels and how to uncover the hidden door.
The heavy wooden door creaked open, unveiling the Hufflepuff common room in all its cosy glory. Low ceilings and earth-toned furnishings created a welcoming atmosphere that instantly put the first-years at ease. A collective gasp swept through the group as they took in the sight.
The initial buzz of excitement among the first-years gradually subsided as they began to explore their new surroundings. In the heart of the homey common room, Lucas O'Brien, a seventh-year prefect, commanded attention. Tall and sturdy, with a broad, reassuring smile that softened his strong features. He exuded an air of both authority and approachability. His hazel eyes, twinkling with warmth and humour, swept across the room as he prepared to address the new arrivals.
Lucas perched himself atop a sturdy wooden table, his Hufflepuff prefect badge glinting proudly on the lapel of his robes. Dark brown hair, neatly combed but with a rebellious streak, framed his face as he gestured enthusiastically to the crowd. His posture was a perfect blend of confidence and approachability, a testament to the natural authority he had cultivated as a seasoned Hufflepuff prefect.
"Hello, everyone!" Lucas announced in a clear, strong voice, ensuring all could hear. "I'm Lucas, your seventh-year prefect. Welcome to Hufflepuff and to your new home away from home."
The first-years huddled around Lucas, their faces a mask of wonder. With a flourish, he withdrew a tiny handkerchief from his pocket and gave it a gentle shake. A flick of his wand, and the handkerchief transformed into a colossal quilt that unfurled across the common room floor, its vibrant colours and intricate patterns a breathtaking spectacle. A collective gasp swept through the room as the magic unfolded before their eyes.
Lucas gestured dramatically towards the quilt, his eyes sparkling with pride. "This, my fellow Hufflepuffs, is our House Quilt," he announced, his voice filled with reverence. "A cherished tradition, passed down through generations of Hufflepuffs. Each year, the outgoing seventh-years add a piece of their heart – a yellow square of fabric – to this tapestry of memories. It's a symbol of our unity, our enduring friendships, and the countless adventures we'll share together."
Lucas circled the quilt, his finger tracing the intricate patterns. "Each of these squares," he explained, "tells a story. It represents a Hufflepuff who came before us, their time here woven into the fabric of our house. And right here," he paused intriguingly, his finger hovering over a faded floral patch at the quilt's heart, "legend has it this square belonged to Helga Hufflepuff herself."
A collective gasp rippled through the first-years as they gazed in awe at the quilt. Their eyes, wide with astonishment, seemed to drink in every intricate detail. The thought of touching something so ancient, so deeply connected to the heart of their House, filled them with a sense of belonging they hadn't expected.
Lucas continued, his voice resonating with pride. "As you embark on your Hogwarts adventure, remember you're part of something extraordinary. Hufflepuff is more than just a house; it's a family bonded by loyalty, hard work, and an unbreakable spirit of friendship. This quilt is a testament to that, a living symbol of our legacy."
Lucas scanned the room, his gaze landing on each eager face in turn. A lump formed in his throat as a surge of emotion washed over him. A single tear escaped his eye and rolled down his cheek. "Each of you will add your own piece to this tapestry of memories," he said, his voice thick with emotion. "When your time comes, you'll contribute a yellow square that represents your journey, your triumphs, and your friendships. Together, we'll create a bond that will endure for generations."
The first-years nodded solemnly, their eyes filled with a newfound respect. Lucas's words had resonated deeply.
Lucas descended from the table, his footsteps muffled by the soft quilt beneath him. "Welcome once again to the Hufflepuff family," he declared, his voice carrying a sense of finality. "Embrace your time here, nurture the bonds you forge, and always remember the core values that shape who we are."
As Lucas finished speaking, a wave of applause washed over the room. When the clapping subsided, a second prefect stepped forward. A seventh-year with striking dark hair that cascaded in waves around her shoulders. Her posture was impeccable, exuding an air of quiet confidence. A warm smile graced her lips as she addressed the assembled Hufflepuffs.
"Good evening, everyone," she began, her voice carrying easily across the common room. Her dark eyes scanned the attentive faces of the first-years, her expression both warm and authoritative. "I'm Maya Sinclair, your other seventh-year prefect. Alongside our cherished House Quilt tradition, we have two more traditions that mark our first day back at Hogwarts."
She paused, allowing the murmurs of curiosity to subside before continuing. "Firstly, we will be holding a brainstorming session later tonight. This session is to discuss and decide on the service project that Hufflepuff will undertake this year to improve Hogwarts. We Hufflepuffs are known for our dedication to helping others, and this year is no exception."
A ripple of excitement and anticipation swept through the room as the first-years began to buzz with ideas. Olivia's face was flushed with enthusiasm, her eyes sparkling with delight. Maya beamed at the positive response, her own excitement growing palpable. "So, if you have any ideas or suggestions for our service project, please don't hesitate to share them during the brainstorming session later tonight," she encouraged. "Your input is invaluable."
"Secondly," Maya continued, her voice softening into a warm invitation, "for those who are interested, we'll be hosting a sleepover right here in the common room tonight. It's a tradition to help everyone relax, bond as a House, and get to know each other better. We'll have plenty of snacks, fun games, and cosy spots to curl up in after a long day."
She scanned the room, meeting the eyes of each Hufflepuff with a reassuring smile. "It's entirely optional, of course," she added, "but I wholeheartedly encourage all of you to join us. It's a fantastic way to kick off the year and build friendships that will last a lifetime."
Maya stepped back, her dark hair shimmering in the warm glow of the common room lanterns. A wave of excitement rippled through the Hufflepuffs as they exchanged eager glances and nods. The prospect of a collaborative service project and a sleepover ignited a sense of belonging and anticipation within the group.
"Come on," Eleanor urged Jane and Olivia in a hushed tone. "Let's grab our bedding and change. We need to secure the best spots by the fire!" The girls nodded eagerly and dashed towards their dorm.
They returned in a flurry of activity, each clutching pillows and blankets. With determined expressions, they staked out their territory.
The initial buzz of excitement gradually subsided as the Hufflepuffs formed a circle in the centre of the common room. As Lucas and Maya took their places among the students, their eyes scanned the room, inviting everyone to contribute to the upcoming brainstorming session.
Eager to contribute, Jane thrust her hand into the air, her face alight with inspiration. "How about we knit hats for the house-elves who yearn for freedom?" she proposed, her voice brimming with conviction. "Or perhaps we could launch a campaign to advocate for house-elf reform?"
A moment of thoughtful silence followed Jane's suggestion. Then a dismissive scoff. Emily, a sharp-tongued sixth-year, broke the stillness. "Here we go again, Jane. You never give up on that, do you? Don't you think it's a bit naïve to think all house-elves want to be freed?"
Jane's blood boiled at her tone. "It's not about what I think, Emily," she retorted, her voice rising with indignation. "It's about their rights—"
Emily cut her off, her voice sharp. "Their rights? Have you even asked them? I did last year, and you know what they told me? They're perfectly happy here. They don't want your pity or your misguided attempts at 'saving' them."
Jane clenched her fists, feeling the heat rise to her cheeks. "It's not pity, it's empathy! They deserve—"
"Jane," Eleanor interjected gently, placing a calming hand on Jane's shoulder. "Remember to breathe."
Jane took a deep breath, trying to calm the storm of emotions churning within her. Emily's words had landed like a stinging insult, but she forced herself to meet the diverse gazes around the circle. Maya, sensing the rising tension, stepped in with a diplomatic tone.
"Let's hear other ideas now," she suggested, her voice carrying a note of finality. "We can revisit this discussion if needed."
A palpable shift in the room's atmosphere was evident as students exchanged uncertain glances. Jane felt a prickle of frustration but nodded reluctantly, yielding the floor to her peers. The brainstorming session continued, albeit with a subdued energy. As ideas for a greenhouse renovation and fundraising for magical creature shelters were tossed around, Jane remained silent, her mind still reeling from Emily's sharp retort. Her passion for house-elf welfare was no secret, but she hadn't anticipated such a forceful dismissal of her concerns.
Emily's voice, though still sharp, held a calculated tone. "Well, if we're talking about making a difference," she interjected, "why don't we focus on something we can all agree on? Building friendships with students from other houses. We could organise inter-house events, or even just have casual get-togethers."
Emily's suggestion hung in the air, a moment of thoughtful silence following her words. Maya and Lucas exchanged a meaningful glance, a silent agreement passing between them. With a nod, Maya spoke up, her voice carrying a note of enthusiasm. "That's a fantastic idea, Emily," she declared. "It aligns perfectly with our house values of inclusivity and unity. Imagine if each of us made it a personal goal to forge friendships with students from other houses. Really make an effort to connect with students from different houses and backgrounds."
Jane nodded slowly, her expression a mask of forced acquiescence. While she recognized the merit in Emily's proposal, a bitter taste lingered in her mouth. And no matter how good of an idea it was, she couldn't help but hate it.
"Sounds like a plan," Jane said through gritted teeth.
Olivia's mind was already going a million kilometres a minute. "We could organise joint study sessions, cheer each other on during Quidditch matches, or simply hang out in each other's common rooms."
Emily nodded, a small, satisfied smile playing on her lips. "Exactly," she confirmed. "It's about breaking down barriers and demonstrating Hufflepuff's commitment to inclusivity. By fostering friendships with students from other houses, we can create a more united and harmonious school environment."
Jane could strangle her.
With a collective nod, Maya and Lucas officially endorsed Emily's proposal as the Hufflepuff service project for the year. A sense of purpose filled the room as they delved into the practicalities of implementing the initiative. Ideas for parties, inter-house buddy systems, and other opportunities for meaningful interaction were tossed around, sparking a renewed sense of camaraderie among the Hufflepuffs. It was decided that in the middle of October, they would meet again to further discuss activities. Giving each person enough time to bond with another student.
With that, the group dispersed, some lingering to join this year's sleepover, while others headed off to their dormitories. Jane stayed behind, her thoughts swirling with a mix of determination and spite. She glanced over at Eleanor, who gave her an encouraging smile.
"Thanks, Eleanor," Jane muttered, her voice thick with frustration.
Eleanor squeezed her shoulder gently. "You have a big heart, Jane. It's just sometimes people need a different approach to see it."
Jane nodded gratefully, a lump forming in her throat. With a heavy sigh, she curled up into bed, pulling the covers tightly around her. She knew Eleanor was right, but that didn't make the sting of Emily's words any less painful.