The Welcoming Feast ended with the whole school singing Hoggy Warty Hogwarts. Ruby thought the song was unique, while Harry thought it was nonsense. Headmaster Albus Dumbledore dismissed everyone by having the older students leave first. The Prefects then take the first-years to their respective Common rooms.

" I'll see you in the Common room, Ruby." Cedric smiled and waved goodbye before turning and walking away with the other older Hufflepuff students.

Ruby nodded, watching Cedric leave. She turned and looked at the Slytherins, watching Harry stand between Draco and Theodore as they listened to their Prefect speak. Her gaze softened, glad that Harry wasn't alone. She looked away and frowned, getting awkward since she didn't know anyone in her house except Cedric.

" Ruby, um. Do you want to walk to our Common room together?" Ruby hears her name and turns to see Neville shyly looking at her.

Ruby's nod brought a wave of relief over Neville's face. He was glad that he wouldn't have to walk alone.

" Hello, Young Puffs." An older masculine voice greeted the Hufflepuff first-years.

Ruby and Neville turned and stared at the older Hufflepuff student.

" Congratulations! I'm Prefect Gabriel Truman, and I am delighted to welcome you to our warm and inclusive HUFFLEPUFF HOUSE." The Prefect's smile radiated a sense of belonging to the Hufflepuff first-year students.

Harry watched Ruby stand beside Neville as they listened to their Prefect speak. He smiled, glad Ruby wasn't alone and that she had someone to hang out with when he wasn't there.

" Now. Before we go, boys to the left and girls to the right." Gabriel saw two lines forming, with boys to the left and girls to the right. " Excellent! Follow me, please." He turned around and walked with the Hufflepuff first-year students following behind him.

Ruby and Harry looked at one another and smiled, wishing each other good night before going their separate ways.

The Hufflepuff Prefect took Ruby and the other first-year students to the kitchens. Meanwhile, the Slytherin Prefect took Harry and the other first-year students to the dungeons.

" The Hufflepuff Common Room is located in the kitchen of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. It is a cozy and inviting space that embodies the warmth and friendliness of the Hufflepuff House." Gabriel explains.

Ruby and the first-year students looked at their surroundings in awe when they saw House Elves making food for tomorrow.

" Hello! Hello! Hello!" Several House Elves greeted the Hufflepuff students.

Gabriel, Ruby, and the first-year students waved at the House Elves as they continued walking so that the House Elves could continue doing their jobs.

" It is accessed through a stack of large barrels piled in a nook." Gabriel, Ruby, and the first-year students stopped walking.

Ruby's eyes blinked and saw massive barrels stacked on each other, which she believed were against the wall.

" To enter, students must tap the barrel two from the bottom, middle of the second row, in the rhythm of Helga Hufflepuff." Gabriel pulls out his wand and looks at the first-year students.

" Look at how I do it." He turns and begins to tap barrel two from the bottom in the middle of the second row, using the rhythm of Helga Hufflepuff.

Ruby, Neville, and the first-year students looked at one another warily since most find it challenging.

" For now, you can ask an older student to help you enter the Common room until you all are comfortable learning how to do this," Gabriel reassured, watching the doors to the Common room open.

" Follow me," He smiled and escorted the first-year students into the Common room.

Ruby, Neville, and the first-year students entered the Common room and were greeted by a warm and welcoming atmosphere.

" Hi, first-years, and welcome to Hufflepuff!" The older Hufflepuff students warmly greeted the first-year students.

Ruby smiled when she spotted Cedric among the older students.

Their new home for seven years is filled with earthy tones and is reminiscent of a comfortable, well-kept burrow. The room is decorated with abundant plants and flowers, adding a touch of nature and life. The moonlight filters through small, circular windows set at ground level, giving the room a pleasant and gentle light.

The furnishings are soft and plush, with an assortment of overstuffed sofas and armchairs arranged around a central fireplace. The fireplace is usually lit, providing a comforting crackle and warmth, especially during the colder months. Tapestries depict various pastoral scenes and nature themes, adding to its homely and rustic charm.

There is also a large, round wooden table in the center, often used by students for group study sessions or socializing. Books on Herbology, magical creatures, and other subjects favored by Hufflepuffs are on the shelves lining the walls. There's a sense of inclusiveness and community, with plenty of spaces for students to gather and share their thoughts and ideas.

Ruby smiled, thinking the Hufflepuff Common room reminded her of Snow White's cottage. All that was missing were animals, the seven dwarves, and Snow White herself.

" It's pretty," She compliments while looking at Neville.

Neville nodded in agreement.

" Thank you, Mr. Truman, for bringing our newest Hufflepuffs to our lovely home." A feminine voice speaks, causing the first-years to turn their attention to an older Witch, who stands before the first-year students with the older students standing behind her.

Ruby's eyes blinked, and she saw an older Witch with a friendly, rosy-cheeked face beaming with a welcoming smile. She looked untidy, with flyaway grey hair covered by a patched, frayed hat. Her robes are earthy tones, and her hands and clothes have dirt/soil on them.

" Welcome, first-years, to your new home for these seven years. My name is Pomona Sprout, and I am your Head of House. I am also your Herbology Professor." The older Witch greeted.

Ruby looked at Professor Sprout and smiled.

' I found Snow White. And I guess the House Elves in the kitchens could be the dwarves.' She internally giggled.

"I'm delighted to see so many new faces in Hufflepuff this year. As your Head of House, it's my responsibility to help you understand what it means to be a Hufflepuff and to guide you through your time at Hogwarts." Professor Sprout looked at the first-year students and smiled at them.

Ruby intently stared at Professor Sprout, curious about what it meant to be a Hufflepuff.

Professor Sprout paused, making sure she had everyone's attention before continuing. "Hufflepuff House values hard work, dedication, patience, loyalty, and fair play. These are the qualities we strive to embody, and they will serve you well both here at Hogwarts and beyond."

"First and foremost," she said, "we treat everyone with kindness and respect. In Hufflepuff, we believe in fairness and equality. We support one another and always stand up for what is right. We must work together as a team and help each other out whenever we can."

Ruby and Neville looked at one another and nodded. She then looked at Cedric and smiled when she saw his thumbs-up.

Professor Sprout's eyes twinkled as she looked at Ruby and the other first years. "Secondly, we value hard work and dedication. Always give your best effort in your studies, friendships, or other endeavors. Don't be afraid to get your hands dirty, quite literally, in the case of Herbology!" She chuckled, and the first years smiled.

Ruby smiled, getting excited to learn Herbology under Professor Sprout.

"Thirdly, loyalty is a cornerstone of our house. We stick by our friends and stand by our principles. You will find that the bonds you form here in Hufflepuff are strong and lasting. Be there for each other in need, and you will never be alone." Professor Sprout looked at the older Hufflepuffs and then at the younger ones.

She then grew a bit more serious. "Finally, we play fair. Cheating, lying, or dishonesty has no place in Hufflepuff. We believe in doing the right thing, even when it's difficult. Always act with integrity, and you will earn the respect of your peers and professors alike."

Ruby nodded, deciding to work hard so the Professors could take her seriously.

Professor Sprout looked around the room, her expression softening. "Remember, my door is always open. If you ever need help or someone to talk to, please don't hesitate to come and see me. We're a family in Hufflepuff, and I am here to support you in any way I can." She says.

The first-years smiled because they knew Professor Sprout was being genuine with what she said.

Professor Sprout smiled warmly, "Now, let's make this year wonderful, full of learning, growth, and friendship. Welcome to Hufflepuff, everyone!" She clapped, causing the older students to do the same.

Ruby, Neville, and the first-year students looked at one another, excited to embark on their magical journey as Hufflepuffs.

After Ruby left in the direction of the kitchen, Harry left the Great Hall with his new Slytherin housemates and Prefect Gemma Farley to the dungeons.

" The Slytherin Common room is in the dungeons of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. So, be mindful of your step as we walk down these stairs." Gemma opens the door and walks down the spiral stairs to the dungeons.

Harry looked at his surroundings and noticed the atmosphere was dark and eery.

" There's no light. What if we trip and fall?" He asked while the rest of the first-year students nodded.

" Our Head of House, Professor Snape, has been requesting at least some torches on the walls so we can go up and down the stairs quickly. But it's been so long since Headmaster Albus Dumbledore approved it. Then again, he is a busy Wizard." Gemma mutters.

Harry frowned, not liking that Headmaster Albus Dumbledore took so long to approve the torches. He looks at Draco and whispers to him.

" What did your Dad say he does in the Ministry?" He asked.

" He's a close friend of the Minister," Draco responded.

" His father is like the Minister's advisor or right-hand man," Theodore commented.

" Is there a way for your father to tell the Minister about the Headmaster's poor decision of not giving the staircase down to the Slytherin Common room torches?" Harry carefully walks down the stairs with Draco while Theodore and Blaise are behind them.

" What about Daphne's father?" Blaise looked at Harry and Draco.

" Daphne?" Harry raised an eyebrow.

" She's the one you said that she's okay looking when Ruby commented that she's beautiful," Theodore recalled.

" Father could convince Daphne's Father to speak to the Minister about this. Lord Greengrass oversees the Magical Education Division in the Ministry of Magic." Draco looks at Harry.

Harry looks at Daphne with a curious gaze, thinking that befriending her will be good for him and Ruby so that their experience in Hogwarts can be peaceful. Having Daphne's father by his side would be a plus, so Headmaster Albus Dumbledore will not use him as a puppet just because he is the Wizarding Savior.

" We have reached the Common Room," Gemma informed the first-year Slytherins.

Harry and the first-year students stopped walking, seeing a damp stone wall.

" We are staring at a wall?" A Slytherin first-year commented.

" That is correct. The Slytherin Common room is hidden behind a bare, damp stone wall, which will reveal a concealed door upon speaking the correct password." Gemma explained.

" What's the password?" A Slytherin first-year asked.

" The password is Pureblood," Gemma responded.

" That is such a generic password," Harry mutters. " They should have used something complicated so the other Houses don't trash our Common room." He looks at Draco.

Draco nodded.

The Slytherin first-year students raised their eyebrows and widened their eyes when they saw a massive door with a snake design appear before them.

" Follow me. Professor Snape is waiting in the Common room to tell you the rules of being a Slytherin." Gemma turns and enters the Slytherin Common room.

Harry and the first-year Slytherins enter, immediately struck by its calm and eerie beauty.

The room is long and low-ceilinged, adorned with green and silver decor reflecting the house colors. The walls are made of dark stone, and the entire space is illuminated by the soft, greenish glow of hanging lanterns and the occasional flickering torch. This green light comes from the eerie luminescence of the Black Lake, as the Common room is partially beneath it.

Large, elaborate, and gothic-style wooden furniture fills the room. High-backed chairs and carved sofas are upholstered in rich, dark fabrics. The fireplace is a grand, ornate structure with intricate carvings, often lit with green-tinged flames, providing a strange but captivating light and warmth.

Although few, the windows offer a mesmerizing underwater view of the lake, giving glimpses of passing mermaids, fish, and other aquatic creatures.

' Ruby would have loved this place so much, especially near mermaids.' Harry internally says.

The Common room also contains numerous bookshelves filled with old, leather-bound volumes on dark magic, potions, and other advanced magical topics. There are also places for privacy and exclusivity, with several nooks and alcoves where students can study, plan, or converse in relative seclusion.

" Thank you, Gemma, for bringing in our new Snakes." A masculine voice speaks, causing Harry and the first-year Slytherins to see Severus entering the Common Room through his office/bedroom. " You are dismissed." He nods.

Gemma nodded, left the Common room, and went to the girls' dorm.

Severus stood before the assembled Slytherin's first years in the dimly lit Common room, his dark eyes scanning the room with an air of authority.

He immediately spotted Harry in the group. His eyes intently stared at the boy's emerald green eyes, which he inherited from his mother, Lily. He looked away, still slightly baffled that his childhood bully's son was now a Snake, not a Lion like everyone hoped.

"Welcome to Slytherin," He began, his voice low and silky yet commanding immediate attention.

"You have been chosen for this house because you possess qualities that Salazar Slytherin valued: ambition, cunning, resourcefulness, and a certain disregard for the rules. However, to truly succeed here and beyond, you must follow specific expectations and rules." He looked to his left and right.

He paused, allowing the weight of his words to sink in. "Firstly, loyalty to your house and your housemates is crucial. Slytherin stands together. We support one another and protect our own. Disloyalty and betrayal are intolerable and will not be forgiven."

Harry, Draco, Theodore, and Blaise looked at one another. The four Wizards have decided to stay close to one another and silently agree to protect a specific Hufflepuff from any harm from Harry's supposed fans.

"Secondly," Severus continued, narrowing his gaze, "ambition is to be cultivated. You must balance it with discretion and intelligence. We do not seek power recklessly. Plan your moves carefully and think several steps ahead. Your actions must always be calculated and purposeful." He warned.

Harry hummed, looking at the ground thoughtfully.

Severus began to pace slowly, his black robes billowing behind him. "Thirdly, respect the traditions and hierarchy of our house. Upper-year students have earned their place, and their knowledge is valuable. Learn from them and understand your position within the house's structure."

He stopped and turned to face the first years directly. "Fourthly, excellence in your studies is expected. Slytherin has a legacy of producing some of the most powerful and influential witches and wizards. You will be no exception. Dedicate yourself to your studies, particularly in subjects that enhance your strategic capabilities, such as Potions and Defense Against the Dark Arts."

"Lastly," He said, his voice taking on a more menacing tone, "while we may bend the rules, there is a difference between bending and breaking. Do not bring unnecessary attention or dishonor to Slytherin House. Any actions that compromise the safety or reputation of our house will be dealt with severely."

Harry lifted his head and saw Severus stare at him as though he expected him to bring shame into the Slytherin house.

"Remember, you are now part of a proud and elite house. Embrace your ambition, use your cunning, and always strive for excellence. If you do, you will find power and success beyond your wildest dreams." Severus advised while briefly looking at Harry before looking at each student.

Soon Severus' expression softened slightly, though his demeanor remained stern. "I am here to guide you and ensure you achieve your potential. If you have questions or require assistance, please reach out to me. Also, the Boys' Dorm is to the left, while the Girls' Dorm is to the right. That is all. Have a good evening."

With that, Severus gave the group a final, piercing look before turning and leaving the Common room for his office/bedroom, his presence leaving a lasting impression on the new Slytherins.

Harry and his fellow first years exchanged glances, feeling both a sense of challenge and excitement as they began their journey as Slytherins.