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By James Maloney
In the Harry Potter universe, the four Hogwarts houses, Gryffindor, Slytherin, Hufflepuff and Ravenclaw have been a major part of the whole franchise.
Millions of fans around the world have sorted themselves into the four houses, or have assigned their close friends and family houses without people actually knowing what it means.
For anyone who hasn’t read or watched the movies, Hogwarts students are each assigned by he Sorting Hat to a house which they are most alligned to in terms of personality and abilities.
Each house represents the four founders of Hogwarts, Godric Gryffindor, Salazar Slytherin, Rowena Ravenclaw and Helga Hufflepuff. Four of the founders of Hogwarts all had a vision on who should be allowed to be taught there.
- Slytherin – The Slytherin house is seen as the ‘bad’ house in the movies, they are said to be cunning, ambitious and have great leadership. It is said in the movies that there was no wizard who didn’t go bad in the Slytherin house. Some popular Slytherin’s are Draco Malfoy, Severus Snape and the antagonist of the Harry Potter series Tom Riddle (Aka He Who Must Not Be Named/Lord Voldemort).
- Gryffindor – This is the main house of the whole franchise, the main characters are in this house and it is the favoured house in the movies and even the books and it isn’t really up for debate that it is the most popular house out of them all. The traits of a Gryffindor are to be daring, have nerve and be chivalrous, they are also known to be incredibly brave. Popular Gryffindors are Harry Potter, Ron Weasley, Hermione Granger, the Maurauders and many more!
- Ravenclaw – The smart house as some people would describe them. Ravenclaws are seen to be the smartest house out of the four with their quick wit and quickness to solve problems, some of the traits they have are, wisdom, wit and intellect, they are also seen to be among the smart and motivated students. Popular Ravenclaws are Luna Lovegood, Cho Chang and ‘Moaning Myrtle’.
- Hufflepuff – Maybe the most underrated house in the whole franchise, they are known to be the more innocent of the three houses and are sometimes seen as almost childlike. Some of their traits are handwork, patience justice and loyalty. Well known Hufflepuffs are Cedric Diggory and Nymphadora Tonks.
All of the houses played an amazing role in the movies, as throughout you can start to see the different personalities that have been imbedded into those in their specific houses.
But out of all seven books and eight movies.. there is not much talk about Hufflepuff.
Sure, we got the amazing Robert Pattinson playing our beloved Cedric Diggory in the movies, but only one movie, and with Tonks we all wish we seen more of her and her cool hairstyles and quirky personality.
The other three houses are represented all throughout the movies, however it feels as though Hufflepuffs were pushed aside for the most part.
It is said that Hufflepuff is the hardest house to get into, but still that does not disregard the fact that it is the least favourite.
Some people would even go as far to describe it as the worst house.
What!? How is that even possible!
Some people might even say that it isn’t as interesting as the other houses.
But I personally just think it is down to the fact that they are not appreciated enough.
First off, they barely have any screen time.
There definitely should have been more time in the movies and the books for Hufflepuffs, as they are incredibly hard working and also will be there for you no matter what.
Some may think of the Hufflepuffs being weak as well, as their house founder Helga Hufflepuff wanted equality among all witches and wizards whether they be pure blood, half blood or even muggleborn, where as the other house founders wanted to base it on bravery, cunningness and blood title and smartness, so it is automatically seen as if you are just “dumped” in the Hufflepuff house because you don’t fit in anywhere else.
I spoke with a fellow Hufflepuff who kindly gave her opinion on why we deserve better.
She said:
“I think there’s a stigma that Hufflepuffs are automatically seen as fragile or childish but in reality, their strong morals make for an independent and dynamic personality.
“Hufflepuffs tend to be less controversial than other houses, which can sometimes be seen as weak, but I think it’s more about inclusivity, fairness, and focusing more on doing better rather than just being seen as better
“I definitely think Hufflepuffs should have gotten more screen time in the movies, as I think they could make for really interesting characters and stories”
Even in the books, it is said by Hagrid that “Everyone says Hufflepuff are a lot o’ duffers” but why?
A article posted on the Atlantic was written to defend Hufflepuffs and spoken up about why they are barely paid attention to in the series both books and movies.
It is said in the article that:
“JK Rowling makes plenty of subtle efforts to elevate the house through the admirable actions of it less-heralded students
“Hufflepuffs have an ethos of self-improvement, while Gryffindors are brave, Ravenclaws perpetually smart and Slytherins deeply ambitious.”
Overall, ten years on since the franchise came to an end, Hufflepuffs are still at the bottom of the pile, when in reality they are some of the bravest and loved by many people.
People really underestimated the Hufflepuffs in the movies and books and it is really not fair in the sense that there is so much more to unfold when it comes to the Hufflepuffs bravery and urge to do the right thing.
They are all badasses who could take on the world if they put their minds to it!
