The Hufflepuff first-years were starting to regret their choices. Why hadn't they shown more ambition during the Sorting? They could have landed in Slytherin, spending every day under Prefect Erwin's guidance. Who wouldn't jump at the chance for a leader like him?
One bold Hufflepuff stepped forward. "Um, Prefect Erwin! We heard Hermione and Harry Potter have been joining Slytherin study sessions. Is that true?"
Erwin nodded. "Spot on. What's on your mind?"
"I'd like to join your sessions too. Is that alright?"
The boy's face tightened with worry, bracing for rejection.
Erwin grinned. "Absolutely. Slytherin welcomes students from every house. You're free to join whenever."
Relief flooded the boy's features. The others chimed in eagerly. "Can we all come, Prefect Erwin?"
Erwin paused, considering. "If you're all in, you'll need to bring your own desks. Our common room has space, but not enough seating. Sort that out, and the door's open."
The group lit up. "We can do that! What about evening sessions?"
"Perfect," Erwin replied. "But clear it with Professor Sprout first. If she approves, Slytherin's common room is yours."
They thanked him profusely and dashed off to find their Head of House.
Erwin's lips twitched into a smile. Hogwarts' four houses were a fascinating mix. Slytherin drew the ambitious pure-bloods and half-bloods, valuing cunning, honor, self-preservation, and smart risks. Ravenclaw scooped up the top scholars and quick minds. Gryffindor sought out those with hidden bravery. Hufflepuff, with its focus on loyalty, hard work, and fairness, seemed plain by comparison—but that was deceptive.
Hufflepuff's strength lay in numbers. Extraordinary talents were rare; most students ended up there, making it the largest house. In the wizarding world, that meant Hufflepuff quietly produced more influential figures than the others combined. Population mattered.
To Erwin, the Hufflepuffs ranked just behind Slytherin in his plans. If his housemates formed the elite core, these steadfast students would build the foundation. He favored overwhelming force over Voldemort's or Grindelwald's small bands of fanatics—likely a holdover from his Muggle upbringing in Great Britain. No elite squad could match a vast, united wizarding force. Even the Dark Lord would run from an army of thousands.
He'd never turn away allies. Resources were for using, not wasting. The Hufflepuffs approaching him was a pleasant surprise, saving him the effort of outreach. Slytherin's boys had set an inspiring example, proving blood status meant nothing—only personal strength did.
The Slytherins, however, fretted silently. Would these newcomers intensify the scramble for the house's honor badges? Erwin, oblivious to their worries, saw potential: a chance to expand the rewards and motivate everyone.
En route to the Great Hall, Erwin paused, sensing a shift. He glanced out the corridor window. A streak of red light cut across the darkening sky above the castle.
A knowing smile crossed his face. Dumbledore was back.
The afternoon passed in contemplation. Erwin mulled over his demands, ideas solidifying. Success hinged on the Headmaster's next move. With Ron sidelined—permanently out of the hero role—Dumbledore had to be scrambling. Inviting Erwin into the fold seemed inevitable. What concessions would the old wizard offer?
At dinner, Dumbledore reappeared at the staff table, settling into his chair. His usual half-moon spectacles glinted under the enchanted ceiling, his robes as mismatched and whimsical as ever. But his face was stormy, eyes flicking repeatedly toward the Slytherin bench.
Erwin caught every glance but feigned ignorance, focusing on his plate. The Headmaster's glare was meant to unsettle him, but Erwin held firm. He appreciated Dumbledore stepping in to smooth over his recent mess—truly—but that didn't mean yielding ground.
As Snape had warned, Dumbledore wasn't entirely reliable—a hard lesson from experience, echoed in the tales Erwin knew. Gratitude aside, the man always played his own angles. Erwin wasn't one for blind trust; caution with Dumbledore was wise.
...
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