The Helpful Hufflepuff (Seeking Collection, Seeking Recommendation)

On the other side, since classes had already ended by the time Kyle left the hospital wing, he didn't head back to the Charms classroom but went straight to the library instead.

Dumbledore had recommended two books to him earlier, claiming they were very helpful for mastering basic charms and perfect for a newly enrolled young wizard, so Kyle intended to borrow them for a look.

The library was located on the second floor and was easy to find; he only needed to go up one flight of stairs.

"Two? Absolutely not!" Madam Pince, the librarian, held a feather duster and scrutinized Kyle with a judgmental gaze. "Unless you have a note from a professor, you may only borrow one book at a time."

"If it's only one, then I'll borrow Travels with Ghouls," Kyle said without much fuss, quickly stating the title.

To his surprise, however, the moment Madam Pince heard the words Travels with Ghouls, her face twisted into an expression of utter disgust, as if she had just heard some vile profanity.

"Another one of Lockhart's books," Madam Pince muttered under her breath.

She did not like the author Gilderoy Lockhart, or rather, she disliked his extremely self-centered writing style, which she viewed as nothing more than grandstanding.

If that were all, it wouldn't be much of an issue; after all, many biographies were like that, and one could usually grit their teeth and get through them.

But for some reason, whenever she read Lockhart's books, she always felt as if the content was missing something, to the point where many parts failed to connect logically.

Although this wasn't a major flaw and didn't hinder the reading, Madam Pince found it incredibly grating, and the mere thought of it made her feel physically uncomfortable.

Consequently, her impression of Kyle dropped significantly. After a moment of silence, she said stiffly, "Travels with Ghouls has been checked out. If you register now, you might be able to get it in about two years."

"Two years... I think I'll pass," Kyle shook his head. "What about The Bard in the Wind?"

"That one is available." Madam Pince's expression softened slightly. She told Kyle to wait there while she walked straight toward a nearby bookshelf.

Taking advantage of the moment, Kyle curiously observed the famous librarian from the side.

Madam Pince was a gaunt, elderly woman who looked like a malnourished vulture. Wherever she walked, the young wizards reading nearby didn't even dare to breathe too loudly.

One young wizard, seemingly too nervous, couldn't help but sneeze, only to be promptly chased out of the library by her.

Kyle clicked his tongue; it was no wonder she was rumored to be Filch's companion. The two of them certainly looked like a perfect match—not only were they equally rigid and rule-bound, but they both seemed to despise students.

Before long, Madam Pince returned, handing Kyle a thick, hardbound book and a slip of paper.

"It must be returned within a week. If it is overdue or if the book is damaged in any way, don't expect to borrow another book from here easily."

"I will remember that."

Since the first-years only had one class in the morning, Kyle returned to the common room immediately after leaving the library, intending to find a comfortable spot to see what the book was about.

But the moment he passed through the barrel door, he was swarmed.

Nearly every Hufflepuff first-year was gathered in the common room, waiting for Kyle to return.

"How is it, Kyle?" Ryan was the first to rush over, asking anxiously, "Is Mikel alright? We wanted to go to the hospital wing to see him, but we were chased out by Madam Pomfrey the moment we stepped inside."

The other young wizards nodded in agreement; although they had suffered quite a bit from the accident in Charms class, they were still very concerned about Mikel's condition.

This was, perhaps, the essence of Hufflepuff.

"Don't worry," Kyle patted Ryan on the shoulder and said with a smile, "Professor Dumbledore has already checked on him and said he can be discharged tomorrow after finishing his medicine."

"That's good, that's good." Ryan let out a visible sigh of relief. After thinking for a moment, he asked, "Has Mikel woken up? Did he say what he wanted to eat? Even if we can't send it to him right now, we can prepare it in advance and give it to him when he's discharged. He'll definitely be very happy."

Ryan's suggestion was met with approval from the other young wizards, who generously began to produce items they treasured.

"I have some raspberry preserves here!"

"I have some creamy fudge."

"How about biscuits? My mother made them herself; they're delicious."

"I think he would want some Licorice Candy..."

For a moment, even Kyle was moved by this deep sense of camaraderie. Under the expectant gazes of the group, he said in a deep voice, "Mikel didn't say what he wanted to eat, but I believe that what he wants most right now isn't snacks, but not falling behind in his studies!"

"Not... falling behind in his studies?" Ryan scratched his head, not quite understanding what Kyle meant.

"Exactly," Kyle said earnestly. "You all saw it—Mikel had that accident because he was anxious about failing to complete the charm, right?"

"That's right," Ryan nodded.

Although his own attention had been on his wand at the time, and he wasn't sure how that blinding "flashbang" had appeared, he assumed that since everyone was practicing charms, Mikel was no exception. So, Kyle's statement seemed perfectly reasonable to him.

"That's just it," Kyle continued seriously. "Someone as competitive as him certainly wouldn't want to miss two classes more than everyone else.

So, what we need to do now is listen carefully in this afternoon's Transfiguration class and tomorrow morning's History of Magic, take down everything the professors say, and compile it into notes for Mikel. I believe he will be moved to tears."

The large Hufflepuff common room fell deathly silent. The little badgers looked at one another, none of them speaking.

They found it hard to believe that anyone would prefer studying over snacks. But after carefully recalling what Kyle had said... they couldn't find a single flaw in his logic.

It was clear, coherent, and sounded completely reasonable.

Perhaps... Mikel really was that passionate about magic.

Thinking this, the little badgers quickly convinced themselves.

Soon, some volunteered to step forward; some took on the task of taking notes, while others were responsible for the final compilation...

The remaining few who hadn't managed to grab a task but still wanted to help huddled together to discuss, and soon discovered a task Kyle had overlooked.

Homework!

At Hogwarts, no matter the subject, homework was indispensable, and its importance went without saying.

So, they decided they would relay the homework for every class to Mikel. Not only that, but they would also tell the professors in class that Mikel was an outstanding Hufflepuff who, even while confined to the hospital wing, remained dedicated to his studies and would never be lazy about his assignments.