Chapter 350 Such a good place, I must come often in the future
Hermione walked through the bustling crowd and headed out of the hall with heavy steps.
There were noisy little wizards everywhere, laughing, whispering, waving all kinds of association slogans in their hands, adding infinite vitality to Hogwarts Castle.
But all this had nothing to do with Hermione, who hurried through the noisy corridor and headed straight for the stairs leading down to the Great Hall.
The surroundings gradually became quiet, with only the sound of light footsteps echoing between the stone walls, as if telling of the disappointment and doubts in her heart.
Behind her, Ron and Harry followed silently, not daring to speak for fear of offending Hermione.
They knew the depth of Hermione's persistence and how much the plight of the house-elves affected 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 Hermione was in a bad mood.
Ron glanced at Hermione from time to time, scratched his head, and seemed to want to say something comforting, but finally swallowed it back.
Harry walked silently on the other side, trying to get as close to her as possible to show his support.
To find the kitchen, you must first find the Hufflepuff common room.
Soon, the three of them arrived at the entrance of the Hufflepuff common room.
The entrance to the Hufflepuff common room is unique. Unlike other colleges, it is not entered through a mural or a gate, but is instead located in a pile of huge wooden barrels.
To enter the lounge, you don't need to say any password, but you need to find the second wooden barrel in the middle of the second row and knock on it.
The drums are struck to the rhythm of "Helga Hufflepuff" and when the rhythm is correct the lid of the barrel swings open to reveal a doorway to the basement, allowing access to the lounge interior.
However, if someone knocks on the wrong barrel, the wrong number of times, or fails to keep the right rhythm, the lid of the nearby barrel will immediately burst open, splashing vinegar all over the uninvited guest as a "gentle" warning for the wrong attempt.
This special protection mechanism not only adds to the mystery of the Hufflepuff Common Room, but also makes it the safest of all the common rooms.
According to records, no student other than Hufflepuff has entered here in the past thousand years.
Ron and Harry just glanced at the barrels and put away their curiosity, then watched Hermione walk to a mural next to the barrels.
It was an exquisite painting of fruit, and the fruit in the painting was so lifelike that it seemed as if water could drip from it.
Hermione fixed her eyes on the plump pear in the painting and gently scratched it with her fingers.
In an instant, the pear moved, it let out a series of cheerful laughs, then slowly transformed, and finally turned into a unique door handle.
"Cool!" Ron exclaimed. It was the first time he saw such a unique way of opening a door.
Pushing open the door, the three of them walked into the kitchen, and what came into view was a space as spacious as the auditorium above.
Four long tables were neatly arranged in the center of the hall, corresponding exactly to the positions of the four college long tables in the auditorium.
The ceiling is high and a huge crystal chandelier is hung on it. The light shines softly on the white marble floor, reflecting a dazzling glow.
Looking around, hundreds of house-elves were busy preparing meals in the kitchen.
They are short in stature but agile, shuttling between the stove and the dining table as if they were born to do such work.
Some of them were stirring the bubbling pot of soup, some were arranging plates and dishes, and some were carefully picking up plates of exquisite food and placing them on the long table that could keep them warm.
Every house-elf had a focused look on his face, as if for them, this was not just a job, but also a mission they should be proud of.
Looking at these busy figures, Hermione's heart was once again filled with pity and indignation.
Why is no one willing to give freedom to such hardworking house-elves?
The arrival of the three people alarmed the house-elves near the entrance, and they immediately surrounded them, enthusiastically recommending various delicacies.
"Would you like a freshly baked treacle pie?"
"Would you like some juice?"
"I have freshly grilled chicken legs here."
These house-elves are so enthusiastic.
So many delicious foods?!
You know what, I'm actually a little hungry.
It's hard to refuse such a kind invitation, so I'll just take a couple of bites to show my respect.
Ron's eyes lit up, and he called out to the elves naturally, "Yes! Give me one each."
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 elf cheered, guided them to the long table and sat down, then happily went to get the food.
"Ron! Harry!" Hermione shouted angrily.
It seems like you two guys are acting like the bosses!
"Calm down, Hermione," Ron said. "Look how happy they are. It would hurt their feelings if I said no."
Harry nodded, agreeing with Ron.
Professor Swann just said that we must learn to respect the wishes of house-elves.
Soon, the food was served. Ron took a bite of the pie and took a big sip of juice, his heart full of emotion.
It’s such a great place, but I’m here to check in for the first time.
Damn Fred and George, they knew how to get to the kitchen, but they never brought their brother with them.
It seems that I must come here more often in the future.
Ron and Harry's behavior made Hermione lose her temper. Just as she was about to say something, she heard a shrill voice asking.
"Hello, are these foods not to your liking? What would you like to eat?"
Hermione looked down and saw a house-elf in a maid's outfit, her eyes full of anticipation.
Around it, several house-elves showed the same expression.
The looks from the house-elves instantly defeated Hermione, and she quickly explained.
"Professor Swan recommended me here. I just wanted to..."
Before he could finish his words, the house-elves exploded.
"Professor Swan recommended it!"
"VIP, VIP is here!"
"Please tell me what you want to eat!"
"Professor Swan likes the steak I cook the best. Let me do it, let me do it!"
More and more house-elves gathered around, and their shrill voices hit Hermione's eardrums, making her head hurt.
"I'm not here to eat, I just have some questions for you."
It took her a lot of effort and persuasion to calm the excited house-elves.
The house-elves stared at Hermione intently.
What questions do you have? Come and ask us.
We are all ready.
