Hogwarts is a special place. The halls are long and echoey,
and yet, feel full of magic and wonder. Occasionally you'll find a couple by a
window, tracing hearts on the glass, or staring into one another's eyes. It's
peaceful. A small group of Ravenclaws bustle past on their way to the library,
and a wand duel breaks out between the Slytherins and Gryffindors. But mostly,
all you can hear is the faint whistle of wind billowing down the cool
corridors.

  This is
the sound of my home.

  I live
here all year. With my dorm members as my family, and my classmates as my
neighbours. House elves cook our meals, but I'm always sure to thank them when
I pass them on my way in and out of the common room. We Hufflepuffs always do.

  I'm a
half-blood. I have a muggle mother, and a magical father. I'm used to the
muggle world. I miss television. I miss my laptop. But it's a small price to
pay for these beautiful halls, and friends who want to hear all about my
adventures. Just the other day, I was asked about how a 50 pence piece works. I
like it. It makes me think.

  Really
it's all taken for granted that we learn what's what when we're little. But for
those only from one world, there's so much they don't know. I like to see that curiosity.
Hogwarts isn't just about potions and astronomy. It's about learning about
others too.

  Even I
learn things. My house elf, Blink, taught me secrets about the wizarding world,
and would take me out at night to show me that stars. She's at home looking after my father.

Even though my real family's at home, I never feel alone
here. Hogwarts is as much a home as I will ever find.

  So I take one last look at
the bustling Great Hall, and the giggling first years. Yes.

  This is
where I belong.