With Professor Sprout's proud words still echoing in their ears, the Hufflepuff common room pulsed with anticipation. But the warmth was no longer just from the crackling hearth. It came from the growing awareness that every other house had taken notice — and they weren't about to stay quiet.
Ravenclaw's Retaliation: Elegant Precision
The next morning in Charms, Professor Flitwick entered to find the Ravenclaws had transfigured every quill in the classroom into hovering, ink-writing ravens. The floating birds copied every word spoken aloud, cooing softly in response to praise and puffing up when asked difficult questions.
"Charmed constructs mimicking raven behavior," explained Terry Boot. "We keyed them to respond to spoken commands and record notes automatically."
Professor Flitwick clapped so vigorously he nearly toppled off his books.
"Well done! Ten points to Ravenclaw for innovation!"
Hadrian blinked and leaned over to Iris and Dora. "...Okay, that was actually brilliant."
Dora narrowed her eyes, her hair flashing challenge-red. "Game on, birds."
Gryffindor's Glory: Transfiguration Theatrics
By Thursday, Gryffindor made their move during Transfiguration. McGonagall entered to find a miniature theater stage at the front of the room. The students had animated snuff box mice to act out the history of transfiguration — complete with narration and sound effects.
When the little mouse-actors turned into spoons and dramatically mimed despair, McGonagall raised an eyebrow.
"And what exactly is this?"
"We call it... 'The Transfiguration Tragedy: A Tale of Tin and Tail,'" said Fred proudly, bowing with George.
McGonagall pursed her lips… and then gave a faint smile.
"Creative. Educational. Somewhat ridiculous. Ten points."
Iris whispered to Hadrian, "We have to top that."
He grinned. "Oh, we will."
Slytherin's Strategy: Subtle Brilliance
Slytherin played their hand in Potions.
Nevilla, as always, needed extra help — and Dora was coaching her through each step. As Slughorn ambled around, complimenting the neatness of Blaise Zabini's cauldron, a sudden burst of vibrant green vapour filled the air.
When it cleared, several cauldrons shimmered with elegantly shifting, color-changing potions — harmless, fragrant, and based on an obscure brewing technique.
"Chromatic Alchemy," Blaise said smoothly. "A concept explored in Renaissance Europe, repurposed here to visualize reaction stages."
Slughorn was enchanted. "Oh, splendid! Thirty points to Slytherin!"
"Thirty!" Hadrian breathed and his jaw tightened slightly.
Back in Hufflepuff: Planning the Response
That night, the trio huddled in the common room, eyes lit with anticipation.
"We can't let them outdo us," said Dora, arms crossed. "We started this."
"I say we use the advantage they don't have," said Iris. "Us three. Together."
Hadrian nodded slowly, fingers tapping against his chin. "Agreed. The next Astronomy class — we enchant the constellation charts to play out actual stories from mythology across the ceiling. Not just diagrams. Motion. Sound. Stars that dance and speak."
"And let the professors know it's a demonstration," Dora added. "No points deducted for 'unauthorized magic.'"
"We'll need some special materials," Iris said. "But I think I can charm the charts to work with the ceiling's enchantments."
The plan was forming — and it was a good one.
Hadrian looked between the two girls and grinned. "Let's show them why the badgers bite back."