The enchanted hourglasses in the Entrance Hall glimmered with a new truth: Hufflepuff was in the lead.
The green gems of Slytherin, the crimson rubies of Gryffindor, the blue sapphires of Ravenclaw — all glinted a little dimmer compared to the radiant golden glow of the Hufflepuff diamonds stacked highest.
A quiet ripple passed through the school, like a collective, unspoken "What just happened?"
Gryffindor Tower – McGonagall's Address
The common room buzzed with murmurs of disbelief. The Weasley twins were half-lounging on a couch, arms crossed, trying to look impressed but failing.
McGonagall swept into the room, her sharp eyes scanning every face.
"Gryffindors," she began in her crisp Scottish tone, "I will not insult you with disbelief. I know you are capable of greatness. But as of now, you are not winning."
She let that sink in.
"Perhaps you've rested too comfortably on our reputation. Perhaps you assumed that bravery alone would win the day. But courage needs purpose. Action. Daring with direction."
She turned slightly, nodding toward Angelina Johnson and Oliver Wood.
"Let us not allow clever pranks and creative classwork from another house be the only spark lighting the way to the cup. Let that fire in your hearts ignite, not smolder."
There was a cheer, growing louder with every second. Fred whispered to George, "Sounds like a challenge, brother."
"Indeed it does."
Ravenclaw Tower – Flitwick's Encouragement
The Ravenclaws were gathered around the fireplace, several with books open, but no one was reading. Professor Flitwick stood on a stack of books to be more visible, his tone unusually animated.
"My brilliant eagles," he began, "I commend your work this year. But I must tell you—Hufflepuff is flying higher than any of us!"
Gasps. Scoffs. A few arched eyebrows.
"They've begun applying what they learn in class creatively, with flair and magical depth. That is the Ravenclaw spirit... expressed with a badger's patience and cunning!"
He smiled. "Let this not discourage you, but challenge you. You are the thinkers, the dreamers, the innovators. Let your work reflect not just your intelligence — but your imagination."
Padma Patil whispered to Terry Boot, "He's right. We've been too... standard."
Terry nodded. "Let's make magic that even Merriman applauds."
Slytherin Common Room – Snape's Warning
The stone walls of the dungeon were as cold as the mood. Snape stood in front of the fireplace, arms folded, his expression unreadable as always.
"Your pride is wounded," he said simply. "You are used to dominance. You expect to win."
He paused, his voice like silk dipped in frost.
"Yet you've been overtaken — not by Gryffindor or Ravenclaw, but Hufflepuff. I suspect many of you believed they lacked ambition. That they could not match us in subtlety or cunning. Clearly, you were wrong."
There was a stunned silence.
"You will not win the cup with arrogance," Snape continued. "You will win it with strategy. Let others play games. We will outmaneuver."
Draco Malfoy's face was sour. Blaise Zabini, however, was smirking thoughtfully.
"We'll see how long the badgers last," he murmured. "Let them enjoy the view at the top… for now."
Meanwhile in Hufflepuff...
Professor Sprout, hearing whispers of the other houses stirring, just smiled.
She gathered her students and said warmly, "We've shown what Hufflepuffs can do. Now let's remind them we don't fade easily."
The trio exchanged knowing looks.
Hadrian leaned in. "Game on."