Those present were stunned by Wayne's bluntness. Even if that was the real reason, did he have to state it so plainly?
Dumbledore's anger turned to resignation.
"Mr Lawrence, I'm glad you value house points so highly... I think even though the term hasn't officially begun today, we could still award Hufflepuff fifty points. What do you say?"
"No," Wayne shook his head, rubbing his fingers together meaningfully.
Snape dearly wanted to say he'd handle this himself rather than give this brat a single point. But he couldn't bear to part with his last remaining stock, forcing himself to swallow the words until his face turned red.
Dumbledore bargained.
"One hundred points, truly no more, or the House Cup will lose all suspense."
"Fine then," Wayne reluctantly agreed.
The old headmaster then turned to Snape: "Severus, you should accompany them. Minerva, I must return to the feast. The fried fish is particularly good today - do try some when you've finished here."
"I will, Albus."
In the blink of an eye, only the three Gryffindors remained in the office.
"Professor... which house was my sister sorted into?" Ron asked nervously. Now that expulsion was off the table, he finally had mental space for other concerns.
"Also Gryffindor."
"Brilliant," Ron said happily. "I thought Ginny's temperament might land her in Slytherin."
Harry looked at him quizzically. He thought Ginny had a lovely personality, if somewhat shy - why would Ron think that?
Professor McGonagall regarded them both before announcing their punishment: "You'll remain here tonight. After eating, return to your dormitory."
Remembering Wayne's earlier words, Harry quickly asked: "Professor, since we took the car before term started, that means Gryffindor won't lose any points, right?"
Professor McGonagall remained stern, though Harry thought he detected the ghost of a smile, her lips no longer pressed so tightly together.
...
Meanwhile, Wayne followed Snape to the vicinity of the Whomping Willow.
The towering tree looked thoroughly miserable, its thick trunk sporting a massive crater that had nearly pierced clean through.
Professor Sprout stood nearby, applying herbal salve from a small bucket around the wounded area.
"There's only one of these in all Britain. Those boys really know how to make trouble," the Head of House lamented.
"Wayne, I'll need some of Ho-Oh's droppings, tears. Feathers would do too."
"No need for such trouble, Professor. Just let Ho-Oh perch there for a couple of days."
Wayne had a better solution.
"Will that work?" Sprout asked uncertainly. "The Whomping Willow may be weakened, but it's also at its most dangerous and aggressive right now."
"Don't worry, Professor."
Wayne summoned Ho-Oh from the depths of the Forbidden Forest.
A flash of fervent longing passed through Snape's eyes. How he wished he were Ho-Oh's master. Now Snape had people searching worldwide for wild Phoenixes, hoping to find one similar to Ho-Oh. Fawkes wouldn't do – too ordinary.
Wayne explained the situation, and Ho-Oh didn't refuse. It was all the same to it – just a different place to sleep.
It flew towards the Whomping Willow. To Sprout's relief, the tree remained calm, even welcoming Ho-Oh's presence.
Its branches actively wove themselves into a nest-like shape for Ho-Oh to rest in, while its trunk swayed gently.
A Phoenix never alights where there's no treasure, and where a Phoenix lands, even barren ground becomes precious.
Bathed in the life energy Ho-Oh unconsciously radiated, the Whomping Willow began slowly healing itself.
Sprout finally smiled.
"Well done. We couldn't have saved it without you."
"Professor, earlier I..." Wayne lowered his head and quietly told Sprout about how he'd blackmailed Dumbledore.
The Head of House's smile widened as she patted the boy's shoulder approvingly. "What a good lad."
With Wayne around, Hufflepuff stood an excellent chance at the House Cup again this year. Perhaps they might even achieve seven consecutive victories.
Only Snape remained standing alone in disarray.
Why does everyone think Wayne is such a good student? The brat is downright sinister!
After escorting his Head of House back to the castle, Wayne excused himself to fetch food for Ho-Oh and returned to the Whomping Willow.
The willow's branches held remarkable medicinal value, useful for creating various healing potions and countering Dark Magic curses. Considering this was a life-saving favour, taking just eighty or a hundred branches seemed only reasonable.
Under Ho-Oh's watchful presence, Wayne nearly stripped clean one of the tree's canopies before reluctantly stopping.
Next, Wayne ventured into the Forbidden Forest again, releasing Hestia's three Unicorns from confinement.
He also brought Thunderbird Mia out of the suitcase.
"Scree~!"
The Thunderbird had now reached full adult size – even surpassing it – with every wingbeat stirring wind and lightning.
The young creature had reached a boisterous age, and the suitcase's space had become... somewhat restrictive.
So, despite craving Wayne's red lightning, she wanted to live outside for a while.
"Remember what I told you," Wayne said, stroking Mia's neck. "Don't summon storms every day. I'm not fond of rainy weather. I'll visit regularly with treats."
Little Mia gave a docile cry before spreading her wings and soaring off to find a suitable mountain perch.
Only after watching her disappear into the darkness did Wayne turn back towards the castle.
The Sorting Ceremony and feast had long concluded, with Prefects guiding the new students to their respective Common Rooms.
...
In the Hufflepuff Common Room.
The badgers were as warm and welcoming as ever, helping newcomers adjust to the unfamiliar environment.
Surrounded by these kind older students, the first-years gradually relaxed.
At that moment, the wooden barrel door rotated open, and Wayne walked in. Many people rushed to greet him.
"Wayne, where were you just now?"
"Did the professor need you for something?"
"Professor Sprout looked really happy earlier, what happened?"
Wayne pressed his hands downward, signalling for everyone to quieten. Soon, all eyes in the common room were on him.
The first-years trembled like startled kittens.
One call and a hundred responses - this guy's a big deal.
He only looked a year or two older than they were, but he seemed so impressive.
Wayne didn't beat around the bush, explaining how Harry and the others had crashed into the Whomping Willow - the whole school would know by tomorrow anyway.
After hearing this, many gaped in astonishment.
"They hit the Whomping Willow and barely got hurt? That's insanely lucky."
"Was that car made by Mr Weasley? I want one too, the build quality's amazing."
Seventh-year female Prefect Emilia Grace was more concerned about the Whomping Willow.
When everyone learned that Wayne had already earned one hundred house points for Hufflepuff by healing the tree before the term even started, cheers erupted.
Hannah, beaming, brought out the pudding she'd taken from the feast to share with Wayne.
The young man didn't stand on ceremony, accepting the pudding and swallowing it in one bite.
"Now then, this year's first-years - come over here and let me see you." Sitting on the sofa, Wayne glanced around.
Immediately, all the little badgers turned towards the trembling newcomers.
"Come on over," the seventh-year male Prefect beckoned.
The new students looked ready to cry. Weren't Hufflepuffs supposed to be the friendliest house? Why were they being initiated into some gang hierarchy on their very first day?
Seeing Wayne sitting there alone while the older students glared at them, the first-years' legs turned to jelly.
"Don't look so nervous, I'm not some villain."
Scratching his head in confusion at their pitiful expressions, Wayne wondered why a simple greeting had them so terrified.
'This year's intake really aren't up to scratch.'
"Ahem." Wayne cleared his throat reassuringly. "Once you're in Hufflepuff, we're all family. Remember this: in Hufflepuff, it's fine if you're not at the top of the class, or if your grades aren't brilliant. You're free to pursue whatever interests you have.
"But there's one thing we never forget - unity!"
"Right!" Toby and Norman cheered loudly, clapping enthusiastically. The first-years hesitantly joined in.
Cedric looked at this pair of idiots like they were mentally deficient.
Satisfied, Wayne motioned for quiet. "Remember, if anyone from other houses says Hufflepuffs are just mediocre students who couldn't get in elsewhere, doesn't matter who they are, you answer back. If words fail, use your fists."
He waved grandly. "As long as we're in the right, there's nobody in this school we need to fear."
"If anyone bullies you, come to me. The older students will back you up!"
"Hufflepuff never starts fights, but we sure as hell finish them!"
"Understood?"
"UNDERSTOOD!" chorused the first-years, while the older students smiled.
Wayne was right - after everything last year, their confidence had grown tremendously.
Perhaps their average grades and abilities couldn't match those of the other houses, but so what?
They had numbers.
They had unity!
Mess with one of us, and you mess with all the badgers. Let's see who comes out worse.
Wayne's words gave the first-years a boost of confidence, instantly bridging the gap between them and the older students.
"Senior, who was that boy who just spoke?" a wide-eyed newcomer asked an older student during their chat.
"Wayne Lawrence, the pride of our badger house," the senior replied, brimming with pride.
"He's the youngest recipient of the Order of Merlin and even won the Special Award for Services to the School. Last term, he aced every subject with full marks."
"That's amazing!" The newcomer's face lit up with admiration.
"Of course," the senior said with a look that suggested the younger student had much to learn. "You'll soon find out Wayne is incredibly popular here. He's got friends in every house, and even the professors adore him."
"Well, except Snape."
"Who's Snape?"
"The Potions professor. You'll know him when you see him—he looks like a bat."
Similar conversations cropped up among groups of students chatting idly, though Wayne remained unaware.
He pulled Cedric aside.
"How's the map preparation going?"
"I've got a hundred standard editions and thirty pro versions ready. Once they sell out, I'll make more."
"Not bad, that's a decent stock," Wayne nodded slightly.
Both the standard and pro maps expired after one academic year, so even returning students often repurchased them. Truthfully, most had memorised the routes by now, but once reliant on the maps, they'd buy another for peace of mind.
"Let me know if you run low on materials. I'll restock."
"Still plenty left," Cedric grinned. "I haven't even used half of what you gave me over the summer."
"Tomorrow, give some maps to Cho and Hermione to help with sales. If anyone asks for the premium or custom editions, send them my way."
"Sure, no problem."
With the new term underway, Wayne was already scheming more efficient ways to part young wizards from their pocket money.
A card game concept had taken shape in his mind, though the technical demands were high—it needed more development.
Once map sales slowed, Wayne planned to organise a discount event at the Celia Store.
He set the date for late October, just before Halloween.
After lingering in the common room a while longer, Wayne returned to his dorm.
Despite standing empty all summer, the house-elves had kept it spotless.
A steaming cup of milk waited by each bed—a thoughtful touch.
...
The first day back had everyone buzzing with excitement, so the Great Hall was packed early.
Wayne checked his timetable.
Compared to the first year, the number of classes hadn't increased. On the contrary, it had decreased slightly since Flying Class was only for first-years.
However, some classes now had more sessions.
Last academic year, all classes had been held twice a week. But this year, Defence Against the Dark Arts, Potions, Charms, and Transfiguration had each increased to three sessions. Herbology remained at two.
Wayne glanced at this term's schedule.
Defence Against the Dark Arts, Transfiguration, and Charms were shared with Gryffindor.
Potions class and History of Magic were with Ravenclaw, while Herbology was with Slytherin.
A perfect balance of exposure.
"Wayne, let me see your Defence Against the Dark Arts homework!" Norman burst into the Great Hall in a panic.
He had stayed up too late playing Wizard's Chess last night and completely forgotten about finishing his homework.
He wasn't alone—at least a third of the badgers at the Hufflepuff table were scribbling furiously while clutching toast between their teeth.
The rest had either finished theirs the night before or had given up entirely, not even bothering to try.
"Dumbledore gave me special permission—I don't have to do summer homework for any subject," Wayne said, munching on a hash brown as Norman stared at him in despair.
"Wait..." Toby frowned at Norman. "Why are you rushing to finish Defence Against the Dark Arts homework? The professor changed—he won't check it, right?"
Norman froze.
Quirrell was gone. Why was he even stressed?
At the same time, several students among the frantic scribblers stiffened, slowly lowering their quills with faces burning red.
If even Toby could figure that out, why hadn't they? Was he some kind of genius?
Fortunately, the arrival of a large flock of owls diverted everyone's attention.
The most spectacular sight was a dozen owls flying in pairs, carrying long, narrow packages straight toward Wayne.
Cedric exclaimed excitedly, "Your brooms are here!"
Six Nimbus 2000s, plus his own Nimbus 2001—this year, Hufflepuff could win the Quidditch Cup with their eyes closed.
Wotley was about to ask what brooms when a shriek erupted from the Gryffindor table.
"A Howler!" Neville went pale as Ron pulled a soggy red envelope from his soup bowl.
"I know, Neville, thanks for the warning," Ron said shakily, utterly panicked.
"You'd better open it," Neville whispered. "Not opening it is worse... Gran sent me one once, and I ignored it. It was... it was dreadful."
Harry, realising the severity of the situation, tried to move away from Ron—but it was too late.
As the envelope tore open, Wayne quickly cast the Muffliato Charm across the table at Hermione and Cho, just two seconds before Mrs Weasley's voice boomed out.