Six Reasons I’m Proud to Be a Hufflepuff
It doesn’t help the reputation of Hufflepuff House that the first impression we get of it in the books comes from Draco Malfoy’s leering mouth:
Imagine being in Hufflepuff, I think I’d leave, wouldn’t you?” (SS 77)
Of course, I learned quickly not to listen to the likes of Draco Malfoy. I am quite proud to call myself a Hufflepuff, and my House has become integral to shaping my values and my personality. But for those who still find themselves asking:
Let me show you just what we’re made of.
1. Hufflepuffs are fierce.
The Hufflepuff badger is quite possibly the most accurate of the four House mascots. Quiet yet tenacious, docile yet ferocious, this creature is the perfect representation of the Hufflepuff character. We keep to ourselves most of the time and appear unperturbed by the world at large, but provoke us and we’ll fight tooth and nail to protect ourselves and the people we love. It takes a lot to set off a Hufflepuff, given our endless patience and generally friendly disposition, but we are by no means pushovers. Disturb us at your own peril.
2. Hufflepuffs are humble.
Even after the tremendous examples set by many of our alumni, there’s still quite a nasty, pernicious rumor going around that Hufflepuff is the least-talented House. We do like a quiet life, but rest assured, we are every bit as courageous, brilliant, and ambitious as our peers in Gryffindor, Ravenclaw, and Slytherin. We would simply rather spend our energy contributing our talents to the world than waste it on promoting our personal glory. There are no Gilderoy Lockharts in this House; our first priority is hard work, not recognition.
3. Hufflepuffs are decent.
Hufflepuffs are some of the best people you’ll ever meet at Hogwarts. We’re typically quite friendly, and we do our best to get along with everyone. We value fairness, justice, and common human decency, and we’d never compromise those values for anything. We play by the rules and do the right thing, though if the rules are unfair, we’re more than willing to challenge them. We don’t cheat, we repay our debts, and we take responsibility for our actions. We typically aren’t lauded or even noticed for being the nice guys, but it’s worth noting that Hufflepuff House has produced the fewest Dark witches and wizards in Hogwarts history. Zacharias Smith is about as bad as we get.
4. Hufflepuffs are heroic.
Gryffindors normally get all the glory, but we Hufflepuffs have our fair share of famous and heroic alumni. Cedric Diggory, Nymphadora Tonks, Newt Scamander, and Hengist of Woodcroft are just a few. Hufflepuffs exemplify a quieter courage that is often overlooked by history books but that deserves to be recognized – the courage to do the right thing in every circumstance and to persevere even in the dark. The world may sing the praises of valiant Harry Potter, but let’s not forget that aside from Gryffindor, Hufflepuff House contributed the most student fighters to the Battle of Hogwarts. Professor Sprout lobbed mandrakes at the advancing Death Eaters, Ernie Macmillan saved Harry’s life with a timely Patronus, and Susan, Justin, and Hannah all fought valiantly at his side. Hufflepuffs are heroes too.
5. Hufflepuffs are kind.
Above all else, Hufflepuffs value kindness. We strive to be compassionate, sincere, and thoughtful in all aspects of our lives. We know that it’s so easy to be unkind without even thinking and to end up hurting another person. We know how it feels to be overlooked or slighted or made to feel inadequate. And so if we find that we’ve been unkind to someone, we own it and learn from our actions. This, more than anything, is what makes me proud to call myself a Hufflepuff and what makes us J.K. Rowling’s favorite House. Hufflepuffs choose to be kind.
6. Hufflepuffs are particularly good finders!
Did you find this article informative or interesting? Do you find yourself nodding in agreement to the points above? Do you find hard work satisfying, patience rewarding, and kindness refreshing? If so, you may find a home in Hufflepuff House!
