#350 - Chapter 350 Such a good place, I must come often in the future

Hermione walked heavily through the bustling crowd, heading out of the Great Hall.

Everywhere were noisy young wizards, laughing or whispering, waving various association banners, adding boundless vitality to Hogwarts Castle.

But all of this was irrelevant to Hermione, who hurried through the noisy corridor and headed straight for the stairs leading down from the Great Hall.

The surroundings gradually quieted down, with only the soft sound of footsteps echoing between the stone walls, as if telling of the disappointment and questions in her heart.

Behind her, Ron and Harry followed silently, not daring to speak, for fear of setting Hermione off.

They knew how deeply Hermione held her convictions, and how much the plight of house-elves moved her.

Although the two did not agree with Hermione's persistence, it did not prevent them from silently staying by her side as friends when she was feeling down.

Ron glanced at Hermione from time to time, scratching his head, as if wanting to say something comforting, but ultimately swallowed the words back down.

Harry walked silently on the other side, trying to stay close to her, to show his support.

To find the kitchen, they had to find the Hufflepuff common room first.

Soon, the three arrived at the entrance to the Hufflepuff common room.

The entrance to the Hufflepuff common room was unique, not like the other houses that entered through portraits or doors, but was located in a pile of huge wooden barrels.

To enter the common room, one didn't need to say a password, but needed to find the second barrel in the second row from the middle, and knock on it.

The knocking should follow the rhythm of "Helga Hufflepuff", and if the rhythm was correct, the barrel lid would rotate open, revealing an entrance to the basement, allowing access to the interior of the common room.

However, if someone knocked on the wrong barrel, the number of knocks was incorrect, or the rhythm was not followed, the lid of the adjacent barrel would immediately burst open, showering the uninvited guest with vinegar as a "gentle" warning for the failed attempt.

This special protection mechanism not only added to the mystery of the Hufflepuff common room, but also made it the safest of all the common rooms.

According to records, no student other than a Hufflepuff has ever entered here in a thousand years.

Ron and Harry merely glanced at the pile of barrels and dismissed their curiosity, then watched Hermione walk to a portrait next to the pile of barrels.

It was a beautiful still life of fruit, the fruit in the painting so lifelike it seemed to drip with juice.

Hermione focused her gaze on the plump pear in the painting, reaching out and gently tickling it.

Instantly, the pear moved, emitting a series of cheerful laughter, then slowly deformed, eventually transforming into a unique doorknob.

"Cool!" Ron exclaimed, it was the first time he had seen such a unique way to open a door.

Pushing open the door, the three entered the kitchen, and what came into view was a space as spacious as the Great Hall above.

Four long tables were neatly arranged in the center of the hall, corresponding exactly to the positions of the four house tables in the Great Hall.

The ceiling was high, with huge crystal chandeliers hanging from it, the light softly shining on the white marble floor, reflecting a dazzling glow.

Looking around, hundreds of house-elves were busily preparing meals in the kitchen.

They were small in stature, but nimble in their movements, moving between the stoves and tables, as if naturally adapted to such work.

Some were stirring bubbling pots of soup, some were setting out plates and dishes, and some were carefully carrying trays of delicate food, placing them on long tables that could keep them warm.

Each house-elf wore a focused expression, as if for them, this was not just a job, but a mission to be proud of.

Looking at these busy figures, Hermione's heart was once again filled with pity and indignation.

Why was no one willing to give these hardworking house-elves the right to freedom?

The arrival of the three startled the house-elves near the entrance, who immediately surrounded them, enthusiastically recommending various delicacies.

"Would you like a freshly baked treacle tart?"

"Would you like some juice?"

"I have freshly baked chicken legs here."

These house-elves are too enthusiastic!

So much good food?!

Come to think of it, I'm a little hungry.

It's hard to refuse such hospitality, I should eat a little to show my respect.

Ron's eyes lit up, and he naturally greeted the elves: "Yes! Give me one of everything."

Harry swallowed, he had fought fiercely in the canyon before, and now it was time to replenish his energy.

"Give me one too."

Hearing this, the house-elves cheered and guided them to sit down at the long table, then happily went to get the food.

"Ron! Harry!" Hermione called out, her cheeks puffed out.

So you two guys are here to be treated like lords!

"Don't get excited, Hermione," Ron persuaded, "Look how happy they are. If I refuse them, it will hurt their feelings."

Harry nodded, agreeing with Ron's words.

Professor Slughorn had just said that we should learn to respect the wishes of house-elves.

Soon, the food was served, and Ron took a bite of the pie and a large gulp of juice, filled with emotion.

Such a good place, and he was only checking in for the first time.

Those damned Fred and George, they clearly knew how to get to the kitchen, but they never brought their younger brother with them.

It seems that he must come here often in the future.

Ron and Harry's performance left Hermione speechless. She was about to say something when she heard a shrill voice asking.

"Hello, is none of this food to your liking? What would you like to eat?"

Hermione looked down and saw a house-elf wearing a maid's uniform, her eyes full of anticipation.

Around her, several other house-elves also showed the same expression.

The house-elves' eyes instantly defeated Hermione, and she quickly explained.

"Professor Slughorn recommended me to come here, I just want to..."

Before she could finish speaking, the house-elves exploded.

"Professor Slughorn recommended her!"

"A guest, a guest has arrived!"

"What would you like to eat, please be sure to tell me!"

"Professor Slughorn likes my steak the most, let me do it, let me do it!"

More and more house-elves surrounded her, their shrill voices piercing Hermione's eardrums, making her head ache.

"I'm not here to eat, I just have some questions I want to ask you."

It took her a lot of effort to appease the excited house-elves.

The house-elves stared at Hermione with burning eyes.

What questions, please ask us quickly.

We are all ready.