Harry Potter and the Strings of Order

Learning to Serve

The next morning, Hermione woke to another knock on her door. She blinked, momentarily disoriented, before the memories of yesterday came flooding back. She looked down at the plain gray uniform she had put on again, feeling a surge of frustration and defiance. This is not what I came here for. But a soft voice in the back of her mind reminded her that she had no choice, not yet.

With a sigh, she stepped into the hallway, joining the other new workers as they moved toward the common area. The group walked in silence, the faint sound of footsteps the only noise. As they entered the large hall, Hermione spotted Kyla standing at the front, her posture impeccable and her expression coolly professional.

"Good morning," Kyla said, her tone brisk and businesslike. "Today, you will begin learning the finer aspects of your roles within the House. Every action, every word, every gesture you make is a reflection of the House's values, and you must embody them fully."

Hermione glanced around at the other workers, noticing how they stood quietly, eyes fixed on Kyla, their faces attentive. She still couldn't quite understand why they all seemed so willing to follow along without question. She tried to push her thoughts aside, focusing instead on Kyla's instructions.

Kyla gestured to a set of silverware and glasses arranged on a long table nearby. "The first task you must master is the art of setting a table. It is a skill of precision and care, and every placement has a purpose."

She picked up a small, silver spoon, holding it with careful grace. "When setting a table, attention to detail is crucial. The cutlery must align perfectly, and each item must be placed according to its purpose. You will begin with the dinner plate, centered exactly two inches from the edge of the table. Forks to the left, knives to the right, blade inward. Spoons, if required, will sit to the right of the knife. Everything must be symmetrical."

Hermione watched, feeling a surge of skepticism. It's just a table setting, she thought. But she found herself moving forward, watching closely as Kyla demonstrated the process, her movements graceful and precise.

Kyla nodded toward them. "Now, each of you will set a place. Remember: perfection is expected."

Hermione took a deep breath, stepping forward to the table. She carefully placed a plate in front of her, measuring the distance from the edge with her fingers. She laid out the fork to the left and the knife to the right, her hands moving with tentative precision.

As she worked, Kyla moved down the line, silently observing each servant's progress. She paused beside Hermione, her gaze sharp. "Too close to the edge, Miss Granger. Adjust it."

Hermione bit back a sigh, moving the plate slightly farther back. Kyla nodded approvingly and moved on. Hermione felt a flicker of frustration but couldn't deny a small sense of satisfaction as she finished setting the place correctly.

Kyla turned back to the group, her eyes sweeping over them. "Next, we will practice the art of pouring drinks. This may seem simple, but even this task requires care and control."

She picked up a glass pitcher filled with water and demonstrated, holding the pitcher with one hand and placing her other hand beneath it for balance. She poured a steady, controlled stream of water into a glass, stopping just before it reached the brim.

"You must pour slowly, steadily," she said, her voice even. "Never overfill. Leave room for the guest to sip without spilling."

Hermione stepped forward, picking up a pitcher. She poured water into a glass, focusing on the steady stream, trying to match Kyla's precise movements. But her hand shook slightly, and a few drops spilled onto the table. She grimaced, glancing at Kyla.