Chapter 16: Hufflepuff is the Right Choice

The Sorting Hat was momentarily speechless. After all, Ciel's logic was flawless. "Alright then... it has to be..." "HUFFLEPUFF!" The moment the hat's decision echoed through the Great Hall, Professor Sprout shot to her feet, applauding with unrestrained enthusiasm. The Hufflepuff table erupted in a wave of warm applause, and even the other houses clapped more warmly than usual. Professor Sprout was a beloved figure at Hogwarts, and there were few students who didn't hold her in high regard. Ciel met his aunt's tear-filled eyes, a small smile playing on his lips. Riding her coattails again, he thought, not ungratefully. He made his way toward the welcoming Hufflepuff table, where Susan Bones was already waving him over, pointing to the empty seat beside her. "Ciel, over here!" He waved back. Sitting with a familiar face was certainly preferable to navigating a sea of strangers. Of course, there was another, more crucial factor in his decision. On the other side of Susan was Hannah Abbott. The small, quiet girl hadn't yet recovered from the tension of the Sorting. Her face was still flushed, and she seemed lost in her own nervous thoughts. But the moment Ciel sat down, he saw the Goldfish Vines in his pocket begin to pulse with a vibrant energy, as if they'd been given a powerful dose of fertilizer. A fervent glint appeared in Ciel's eyes. Excellent! Another talented one! Under Hannah's bewildered gaze, he handed her two of the small, potted plants. "Are you nervous?" he asked gently. "These are Goldfish Vines. They're a magical herb that helps relieve tension." Hannah looked up, her expression grateful. "Thank you," she whispered. "I think I really need them." Her cheeks flushed an even deeper shade of red. "Um, excuse me," she stammered shyly, "what was your name again? I meant to remember everyone's names, but I... I completely forgot." Ciel's eyes lit up. "It's okay, don't worry about it," he said smoothly. "Forgetting is good. I mean, we're all new here. It's normal to forget. You'll remember later." Hannah's grateful expression deepened, and she clutched the two pots as if they were a lifeline. Whether it was the plant's magic or a simple placebo effect, she did feel her racing heart begin to slow. Ciel, meanwhile, watched with satisfaction as the reward orbs above the Goldfish Vines continued to expand. Susan Bones, sitting on his other side, leaned in. "Ciel," she whispered, "that's Goldfish... Goldfish something... what was it again? Do you have any more? I don't think I've calmed down yet, either." Ciel turned to Susan, his eyes lighting up once more. She's not quite on Hannah's level, but she's definitely talented! He immediately produced another pot and handed it to her. "It seems to really work," Susan said, surprised, after a moment. "My heart rate has definitely gone down." Hearing this, several other first-year Hufflepuffs nearby began casting hopeful glances in Ciel's direction, too shy to ask directly. Ciel simply took out the rest of his potted Goldfish Vines and began distributing them. When some of the students hesitated, he added, "Actually, my aunt—Professor Sprout, our Head of House—arranged for these. Consider them her sorting gift to everyone. Herbology is Hufflepuff's speciality, after all. She hopes these plants can grow along with you." That settled it. The new Hufflepuffs relaxed, accepting the gifts with joyful expressions. This house was great! Their sense of belonging soared. At the high table, the professors looked at Professor Sprout with surprise. "Giving out gifts this year, Pomona?" one of them asked. Professor Sprout beamed with pride. "That must be my Ciel," she declared. "How thoughtful of him. He planted those just to give to his new classmates. Such a kind and enthusiastic boy, a true Sprout..." Seeing another long speech about to begin, Dumbledore quickly interjected. "Pomona, the Sorting Ceremony is almost over. Let's prepare for the next part." The Headmaster's gaze swept over the Hufflepuff table, lingering for a moment on Ciel and his plant distribution. A flicker of doubt crossed his mind. Is the boy being clever, using his classmates? But he dismissed the thought just as quickly. He's a Hufflepuff. What bad intentions could a badger possibly have? Besides, his magical talent is... lacking. He poses no threat. Dumbledore's attention shifted back to Harry. That was where his focus needed to be. The last few students were sorted. Ron Weasley, as expected, went to Gryffindor. Witnessing the trio who would one day defeat Voldemort all sorted into the same house, Ciel felt a strange sense of being a part of history. But he quickly pushed the sentiment aside. He'd much rather be planting flowers than getting involved in their adventures. Finally, when the last student had been sorted, Dumbledore rose, his eyes twinkling, and delivered his famously cryptic opening words. "Nitwit! Blubber! Oddment! Tweak!" At the Ravenclaw table, older students began explaining the words to the first-years. "It refers to the prejudices between the houses. Ravenclaws think everyone else is a nitwit, Gryffindors think everyone else is a blubbering softie, Slytherins think everyone else is an oddment, and Hufflepuffs think everyone else is... a tweak." The new Hufflepuffs, sitting closest to the Ravenclaws, listened with blank expressions. "Is that what it means?" "Wow, so amazing." "Did you get all that?" "Nope." "Did you remember any of it?" "I tried, but the words just ran away." "So, what should we—" "Dinner's here! Let's eat!" As the golden plates filled with a magnificent feast, Ciel looked at his new housemates, who were now happily burying their faces in their food. On the table, the small pots of Goldfish Vine were practically vibrating, frantically absorbing the ambient forgetfulness. A bright, satisfied smile spread across his face. Talented ones. Every last one of them. I really came to the right place. *** (End of Chapter) [Check Out My Patreon For +20 Extra Chapters On All My Fanfics!!] [www. [email protected]/meowthtl] [+300 Power Stones = +1 Bonus Chapter] [+500 Power Stones = +1 Extra Chapter] [Thank You For Your Support!]