It's a typical bustling morning in the Great Hall. The enchanted ceiling gleams above, and the air is filled with the clatter of cutlery, the murmur of conversations, and the occasional hoot from the arriving owls. Harry, Ron, and Hermione are settled at the Gryffindor table, already digging into their breakfast. Harry's scanning the hall, half-listening to Ron complain about homework, when a familiar flurry of white catches his eye. Hedwig, Harry's magnificent snowy owl, usually makes a beeline for him, eager to deliver mail or just perch proudly. But today, she flies past the Gryffindor table, past the Ravenclaws, and glides gracefully down to the Hufflepuff table.

Harry watches, utterly bewildered, as Hedwig alights gently on the shoulder of a Hufflepuff girl he vaguely recognizes from classes – Sue. Sue, startled, looks up from her toast, her eyes wide as Hedwig nudges her head against her cheek, letting out a soft, contented hoot. Sue, with a gentle smile, reaches up to stroke Hedwig's soft feathers, and the owl visibly preens under her touch, settling comfortably. Harry stares, utterly perplexed. "What in Merlin's beard?" he mutters, nudging Ron. "Is that... is that Hedwig?" Ron looks over, chewing thoughtfully. "Blimey, it is! Never seen her go for anyone but you, Harry. She usually just glares at me if I look at her wrong."

Hermione, ever observant, follows their gaze. "Oh, that's Sue," she says, a slight smile on her face. "Sue's in our Herbology class. She's absolutely brilliant, top of the year, even Professor Sprout says so. And she's got a real way with magical creatures, too. Very popular in Hufflepuff, everyone says she's got the greenest thumb and the kindest hands." Harry watches as Sue continues to gently stroke Hedwig, a serene look on her face. Hedwig even nibbles playfully at a piece of crust Sue offers her.