The tension in the corridors had changed.
At first, the rise of Hufflepuff in the house rankings had sparked amusement, then respect. But now… resentment simmered, especially among a cluster of Slytherins who found themselves slipping into third place.
It was during Herbology, while repotting puffing pods, that Hadrian first overheard it.
"Bet we could make them lose points," sneered a pale boy named Avery. "Catch one of the Hufflepuff trio hexing something in the wrong corridor and report it."
"Or jinx their cauldrons in Potions. Sabotage's easy if you know how."
Hadrian calmly finished packing soil around his puffing pod, then turned. His voice was even, but carried a quiet sharpness.
"You're Slytherins. You're supposed to be above petty tricks."
Avery sneered. "What would you know about Slytherin?"
"I know enough," Hadrian said, stepping closer. Dora and Iris flanked him without a word. "Ambition doesn't mean backstabbing. Cunning doesn't mean dishonor. You can earn your place back at the top with brilliance, not sabotage."
Avery scoffed, but others — like Blaise Zabini — were watching with narrowed, thoughtful eyes.
When they walked away, Dora exhaled. "That was… bold."
Hadrian gave a small shrug. "Had to be said."
Astronomy: Starlit Storytelling
The next night, the trio took their place on the Astronomy Tower with the rest of the class. The sky above glittered with stars, and telescopes were arranged in neat rows.
But instead of reviewing their charts like usual, Hadrian, Dora, and Iris stood in front of the enchanted blackboard with wands ready.
Professor Sinistra raised an eyebrow. "Mr. Potter?"
"If we may, Professor. We prepared an interactive demonstration of the constellations — their stories, cultures, magical meanings."
She crossed her arms, curious. "Proceed."
Hadrian nodded to the girls. They cast their spells in unison — charms of illusion, sound weaving, and subtle starlight enhancement. The sky seemed to shimmer — and then shift.
Above them, Orion the Hunter stepped down from the stars, his form composed of constellations and glimmering threads of light.
A deep voice echoed, telling his story — how he hunted magical beasts and was eventually placed in the heavens. Behind him came Andromeda, her story of sacrifice and courage glowing across the sky in shimmering blues and golds. Pegasus galloped through the stars, shimmering silver as laughter echoed from below.
Each tale was woven with accurate constellation placement, magical significance, and cultural lore from different wizarding traditions — from Ancient Egypt to the Chinese Wu Xing.
The class sat mesmerized.
When the sky finally returned to normal, Professor Sinistra clapped once. Then again. Then harder.
"That," she said, "was exceptional."
She turned to the rest of the class. "Let this be an example. Twenty-five points to Hufflepuff — and a reminder that learning can be both beautiful and deeply magical."
Reflections Beneath the Stars
As the class packed up, Blaise Zabini passed by them with a faint nod. "Impressive," he said softly. "Better than sabotage."
Hadrian smiled slightly. "Told you."
Back in the common room, Iris threw herself on the couch with a triumphant cheer.
"We are on fire!"
Dora grinned and leaned back. "Let's see how they respond now."
Hadrian looked out the window at the stars overhead, feeling something stir in his chest — pride, joy, and a sense that maybe, just maybe, they were helping Hufflepuff rewrite its story.