The Sorting Hat paused, almost speechless at Char's practical, heartfelt answer. After a moment, it gave a little sigh—almost as if it were smiling—and declared loudly,
"Hufflepuff!"
As soon as the Hat made its decision, Professor Sprout leapt to her feet at the staff table, clapping with unrestrained joy. The Hufflepuff table erupted in especially warm applause, and even students from the other houses joined in more enthusiastically than usual. After all, Professor Sprout was one of the most beloved teachers at Hogwarts; there were hardly any students who didn't like her.
Char caught sight of his aunt's teary, beaming face and couldn't help but smile. He felt incredibly lucky—once again, he was exactly where he belonged.
He made his way to the Hufflepuff table, where Susan Bones waved him over and pointed to an empty seat beside her.
"Char, sit here!" she called.
Char smiled and settled into the seat, grateful to be among familiar faces. Sitting next to Susan was an obvious choice, but there was another reason as well: on his other side was Hannah Abbott, who still looked flushed from the excitement and nerves of the ceremony. Her cheeks were as red as apples, and she seemed lost in her thoughts.
Char noticed something remarkable. As he sat down, the pots of Goldfish Vine he'd brought with him seemed to grow even greener and more vibrant, as if they'd just been given a magical boost. He glanced at Hannah, a spark of inspiration in his eyes. Another natural talent!
He gently offered two pots of Goldfish Vine to Hannah.
"Nervous?" he asked kindly. "This is Goldfish Vine, a magical herb. Holding it can help calm your nerves."
Hannah accepted them gratefully. "Thank you. I think I really need this." She blushed again and looked shyly at Char. "Um, sorry… what's your name? I was trying to remember everyone's names, but I've forgotten already."
Char's eyes lit up with amusement. "That's perfectly fine. We're all meeting for the first time. It's normal to forget. I'm Char Sprout. And don't worry—I'll remember your name from now on."
Hannah's gratitude deepened, and she clutched the Goldfish Vine a little tighter. Whether it was magic or just the comfort of a friend's kindness, she felt her anxiety melt away.
On Char's other side, Susan Bones leaned over, curiosity shining in her eyes.
"Char, what's this called again? Goldfish… something? And what about Chlorophytum? Are there other magical plants like this?"
She took a deep breath, still a bit overwhelmed by the excitement of the evening.
Char smiled at Susan, recognizing another budding Herbologist. Without hesitation, he handed her a pot of Goldfish Vine as well. Susan held it in her hands, surprised at how quickly she felt her heart rate slow and her nerves settle.
"It really works," she murmured.
Soon, the other first-year Hufflepuffs were eyeing Char and his magical plants with hopeful looks. Sensing their interest, Char distributed the rest of his Goldfish Vine pots to his new housemates.
Some of the little badgers hesitated, unsure if they should accept, but Char reassured them with a smile.
"In fact, this was arranged by my aunt—Professor Sprout, our Head of House. It's her special welcome gift to everyone. After all, Herbology is Hufflepuff's specialty. She hopes these Goldfish Vines will grow alongside each of you, so please accept them."
Relieved, the first-years eagerly took the plants, their faces lighting up with happiness and pride. Suddenly, being a Hufflepuff felt wonderful—this house wasn't "bad" at all! In fact, it was a place full of warmth, kindness, and unique magic.
At the staff table, the professors exchanged surprised glances.
"Pomona, are you giving gifts to the students this year?" one asked, amused.
"Goldfish Vine for the little badgers? That's so very… Hufflepuff."
Professor Sprout glowed with pride. "It must be my Char. He's such a thoughtful boy. He grew those Goldfish Vines just to share with his classmates. He's a true Sprout."
She was about to launch into a passionate speech about Char's dedication and talent, but Dumbledore gently interrupted.
"Pomona, the Sorting Ceremony is nearly finished. Let's move on to the next part."
As Professor Sprout reluctantly quieted down, Dumbledore's gaze lingered on Char and the Hufflepuff table. He watched the way Char distributed the magical plants, how the other students responded to him, and he couldn't help but wonder. Was this little badger unusually perceptive? Or just exceptionally kind?
After a moment, Dumbledore shook his head, dismissing his doubts.
What trouble could a Hufflepuff possibly cause? Char's magical talent was, after all, quite modest. He was just an ordinary little badger—nothing more.
Dumbledore's attention shifted back to Harry, determined to guide the boy and keep him from repeating the mistakes of the past. He cast a quick glance at Professor Quirrell, then turned to watch the remaining students being sorted.
Soon, Ron Weasley was called up and, just like in the original story, was sorted into Gryffindor. He nearly collapsed with relief as he joined Harry and Hermione at the table.
Char watched the famous trio gather, feeling a strange sense of history. He was witnessing the beginning of the group that would one day defeat Voldemort. It was humbling, but also reassuring—he was content to watch from the sidelines, tending his magical plants and building his own quiet legacy.
Finally, the Sorting Ceremony ended. Dumbledore rose, his eyes twinkling with emotion, and delivered the same whimsical words as always:
"Idiot! Crybaby! Scum! Twist!"
At the Ravenclaw table, older students explained to the new arrivals,
"That's Dumbledore's way of poking fun at the stereotypes each house holds about the others. Ravenclaws think everyone else is foolish, Gryffindors think others are cowards, Slytherins think others are beneath them, and Hufflepuffs… well, we think everyone else is a bit twisted."
The Hufflepuffs listened, puzzled but amused.
"Is that so?"
"That's amazing."
"Do you get it?"
"No."
"Do you remember it?"
"I tried, but it slipped away."
"Then… it's time for dinner! Let's eat!"
Char grinned as he watched his new friends dig in, the Goldfish Vines on the table glowing with health and happiness. He couldn't help but feel a surge of pride and joy.
Talents, he thought. They're all rare talents.
This Hufflepuff House—this was exactly where he belonged.