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Chapter 34: The Well-Behaved Hufflepuffs
Chapter 34: The Well-Behaved Hufflepuffs
"Rita Skeeter? The reporter from The Prophet?" Fred asked, confusion written all over his face. "What does she have to do with anything?"
George chimed in from the side, "And we're not interested in her. She's destined to pine alone."
"What a shame," Kyle said, not wanting to continue the topic. He brushed them off and made his way through the twin's midst.
Lunch had already started, and all he wanted to do now was sit down and enjoy his tender steak and pumpkin juice instead of loitering like a fool at the Great Hall's entrance.
However, Fred and George had other plans, and they followed Kyle all the way to the Hufflepuff table.
"Although there's no evidence, I always felt that the Charms classroom blew up because of you," Fred squeezed his butt onto the bench next to Kyle, grabbed a cup of pumpkin juice, and took a big gulp before continuing, "Otherwise, why would something like this happen as soon as you arrive, but never before? It has to be your influence."
Hearing this, Kyle felt his back stiffen, and he almost choked on his pumpkin juice.
What was that supposed to mean? What had he done wrong? He had been helping out all along, yet they still insisted on pinning this on him?
Kyle turned his head and gave them the middle finger without saying a word.
But Fred ignored the gesture and continued, "It's a pity you're not in Gryffindor."
"We asked around," George smiled, "The Gryffindor first-years have Potions as their first class. If you were there, and with the newcomers' cooperation, the one ending up in the hospital might've been Snape."
"Yeah, it's a real shame," Fred put down his pumpkin juice, "If we could've sent Snape to the hospital, you would've become the hero of Gryffindor... no, the entire Hogwarts!"
Fred seemed to have thought of something, for his previously disappointed expression suddenly turned excited, and his whole body began to tremble.
In his excitement, Fred didn't even notice Cedric furtively tugging at his robe.
"To be honest, Kyle, I still think you don't belong in Hufflepuff. Gryffindor is your true home."
"Let's assume you're right, but, Fred, George..." Kyle suddenly cleared his throat and said with a smile, "Why do you think the Gryffindor newcomers would cooperate with me to deal with Professor Snape?
In my opinion, the little wizards of Gryffindor are very polite, speak nicely, and have a kind head of house. They wouldn't do something so... well, unruly."
"What nonsense are you spouting, Kyle? Well-behaved kids who follow the rules wouldn't be sorted into Gryffindor?" Fred was initially stunned but then raised his eyebrows and said, "Oh, right, let me rephrase that. We just like adventures..."
"Then... Messrs. Weasley, is that why you're not eating at your own house's table?"
A cold, emotionless voice cut through the air from behind them.
The smiles on Fred and George's faces instantly vanished, and they turned their heads with difficulty to face the owner of the voice.
"Professor McGonagall, when did you...?" Fred forced out a smile that looked more like a cry, "Err, I think you must've misunderstood something. I can explain."
"That won't be necessary, Mr. Weasley. I believe I understood you perfectly well, and no misunderstanding exists.
Fortunately, it was just a point deduction.
Fred and George heaved a sigh of relief. It was only the beginning of the school year, and Gryffindor's hourglass still had plenty of points. Losing twenty points was acceptable.
"Also..." Professor McGonagall swept her eyes over the twins and continued, "In light of your terrible performance during the Sorting Ceremony, both of you will be confined to the school for the next week."
Fred and George were struck as if by lightning.
The Sorting Ceremony? They thought that incident was already over and done with...
They could care less about the point deduction, but the confinement was a different story, especially since it was for a whole week. Being unable to roam the castle at night for seven consecutive days was akin to having their lives taken away!
The duo had already started to despair.
"Professor, please..."
Fred and George looked at Professor McGonagall pitifully, attempting to evoke some compassion within her.
Unfortunately, Professor McGonagall was unmoved, and her tone remained unwavering, "The confinement will start at 11 p.m. sharp. Go find Filch, and he will take you to the Trophy Room. There is a roll of honor there that records the names and achievements of all outstanding Gryffindor students since the founding of the school.
You need to transcribe this roll of honor in its entirety. Remember, each of you will transcribe it once, and you are not allowed to use magic or quick-notes quills. Everything must be handwritten."
After finishing her statement, Professor McGonagall pointed towards the Gryffindor table and said, "Now, Messrs. Weasley, scurry back to your own house's table!"
Fred and George, struck dumb, lowered their heads and quickly returned to the Gryffindor table, their faces portraying their despair.
Kyle also lowered his head, suppressing his laughter with great effort. It was only after the twins had left that he turned back as if nothing had happened and said, "Good afternoon, Professor McGonagall. It's nice to see you here."
There was finally a hint of emotion in Professor McGonagall's voice as she replied, "Good afternoon, Mr. Kyle."
"Please, call me Kyle, Professor." Kyle smiled. "Have you eaten lunch yet? If not, please join us."
Cedric also reacted and quickly scooted to the side, making room for the professor.
Professor McGonagall's expression softened as she said, "I would very much like to, but unfortunately, I have already eaten."
To maintain her persona of authority, Professor McGonagall would usually arrive at the Great Hall close to mealtimes or simply stay in her office, rarely dining with the young witches and wizards.
"What a pity." Kyle gently sighed, and the other badgers also cooperated by displaying disappointed expressions, as if they truly wanted Professor McGonagall to join them for lunch.
Everyone was well-behaved.
Professor McGonagall looked at the scene before her and then glanced at the chaotic Gryffindor table next to them. A sense of fatigue suddenly washed over her.
Indeed, there was no harm in comparison.
Why were all the well-behaved children in other houses, especially Kyle and Cedric? It would have been nice if even one of them had been sorted into Gryffindor.
That damn Sorting Hat...
(End of Chapter)
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