Chapter 24: Not Even a Crup Would Want This
Hufflepuff's common room was nestled deep within the underground passages of Hogwarts Castle. The entrance, cleverly hidden in a pile of large barrels located in the kitchen corridor's right-hand corner, was both inconspicuous and charming in its simplicity. Gaining entry was straightforward: students had to follow the rhythm of Helga Hufflepuff's name, tapping the bottom of the second barrel in the second row. The lid would then rotate, revealing a passageway leading into the cozy common room.
Unlike the other houses, which relied on frequently changing passwords or riddles, Hufflepuff had the most practical system. Their fixed entrance sequence meant once you learned it, you were set for all seven years. No need to worry about keeping up with new passwords every week, which was certainly a relief for many students.
"Remember, it's Helga Hufflepuff. The order must be exact," Hufflepuff's prefect, Harris, reminded the cluster of nervous first-years, slowing down the demonstration to ensure they memorized it correctly.
A small boy in the crowd raised his hand, his voice quivering with anxiety. "What if I get it wrong? I'm not good at remembering things. Will I be stuck outside the dormitory?"
Harris smiled reassuringly but walked over to the barrel, ready to make a point. "It's worse than that." He tapped the barrel twice, deliberately wrong, and quickly stepped back.
In an instant, a torrent of sour-smelling vinegar sprayed from the neighboring barrel, drenching the space where he had stood just moments before.
"As you can see," Harris said, waving his wand to clean up the mess, "if you get the sequence wrong, the other lid bursts open, and you'll be covered in vinegar. If you don't want to smell like a vinegar bottle for the rest of the day, I suggest you practice. It's not that hard once you get the hang of it."
The group chuckled nervously, but the message was clear. Harris ran through the correct sequence a couple more times, ensuring everyone understood before leading them through the now-open passage into the common room.
At the end of the tunnel, the new students were greeted by a large, circular room that exuded warmth and simplicity. This was the Hufflepuff common room. The low ceiling, only about three meters high, made the space feel intimate, while the cozy black and yellow armchairs scattered around the room invited relaxation. The walls were alive with a variety of fascinating plants, adding a touch of nature to the underground setting.
Kyle's eyes scanned the room with interest. Beyond the usual decorative plants, he spotted several rare species that he knew were valuable. He recognized a Rue plant, Dittany, and even the prized Hydrangea. His gaze then fell on the most striking plant of all: a Wind Chime Sunflower placed right in the center of the lounge.
If I'm not mistaken, Kyle thought, that Wind Chime Sunflower alone is worth about 300 galleons.