In Defence Of Hufflepuff

Written by James Orr

It’s no secret that Hufflepuff is often scoffed at by the other, possibly more insecure houses. But in reality, they’re happy to succeed without the glamour. Doing the hard work or just having fun. Rupert Grint is a great example; he may have been a Gryffindor as Ron Weasley, but in reality, he’s another Puff that’s happy to drive his ice-cream van. His on-screen sister, Ginny, played by “Supa-Star” guest Bonnie Wright, is sadly a true-born Gryffindor, but is still a proud supporter of Hufflepuff. And it’s easy to see why.

PUFFS HAVE THE BEST TRAITS

Gryffindors are brave (and show-offs), Ravenclaws are smart (and cold-hearted), and Slytherins are… Slytherins. But Hufflepuffs are everything else. They’re hard workers, loyal, and they don’t do good things for glory. They do it because it’s right.

That’s probably why Hufflepuff had the second highest number of housemates fighting Voldemort during the Battle of Hogwarts, including Tonks, who sacrificed herself, and her magical hair, for the cause. Maybe if a few more Ravenclaws had helped, rather than hide in the library, she’d be around to raise her son.

Many people thought Neville Longbottom should have been a Puff. He wasn’t always the bravest, but he fought for good, killed Nagini, married a Hufflepuff, and even begged to be sorted into the badger house. Fortunately, the Sorting Hat knew that he wasn’t worthy of such an honour. Case and point: in his first year he intended to rat out the Potter squad as they tried to go and find the Philosopher’s Stone. A real Puff is always loyal to his friends. ALWAYS.

HOGWART’S BEST STUDENT WAS A PUFF

Remember who the Triwizard Cup selected as the Hogwarts Champion? Cedric Diggory, that’s who. At least until Harry’s name appeared due to Death Eater shenanigans.

But did Cedric get upset? Of course not. Even when his friends were mocking Harry (but only because they’re loyal friends), Cedric defended his competitor, even helping Harry, and agreeing to share the winner’s glory at the end. And what did Cedric get in return? Death.

THANKS, HARRY.

And any ‘alternate timeline’ mischief related to Cedric is entirely the fault of Harry’s son. Because even when a Slytherin tries to do good, they still ruin everything.

PUFFS ARE POWERFUL

We remember powerful wizards like Voldemort and Dumbledore because they do it for the power or glory. Puffs are strong, but not always in the traditional sense. Helga Hufflepuff herself is possibly the most powerful foody in the whole Potterverse. She was renowned for her food-related charms, and her recipes are even still used in Hogwarts by the house-elves in the kitchens, all of whom were provided with safe housing by Helga. She was even smart enough to place the Hufflepuff Common Room close to the kitchens.

The most well-known Hufflepuff in the present is not only a competent wizard, he’s the greatest magizoologist of all time. Not only was Newt Scamander the first wizard to capture Grindelwald, he did so while catching an assortment of magical animals. And he was modest enough to do it all in a single movie (it’s not Newt’s fault Grindelwald escapes). Whereas, it took Harry EIGHT movies to take down Voldemort.

HOUSE PUFF PRODUCED THE FEWEST DARK WIZARDS

This goes along with Puffs always aiming to be good people. Whereas darkness still comes naturally to other houses, even Gryffindor and Ravenclaw. If you thought the only traitorous Gryffindor was Neville, you’re forgetting Peter Pettigrew is a Gryffindor alumnus and sold out his friends to You Know Who.

And remember Professor Quirrell? He wasn’t a Slytherin, but a two-faced Ravenclaw trying to get some attention. Gilderoy Lockhart was another Ravenclaw that desired fame, doing things that were almost as bad as any Death Eater. We don’t know what’s going on in Ravenclaw, but y’all need some love. But don’t worry, Puffs have plenty to spare.

BUTTERBEER

If you’ve ever tasted this sweet nectar, you know why it’s a big deal. Butterbeer was created in Hogsmead. You know who founded Hogsmead? Hengist of Woodcroft. And guess which house Hengist hailed from. Butter-chuggin’ Hufflepuff. You’re welcome.