One of the things that I have realized as a fan of "Happy Potter" is that no one seems to like the Hogwarts House, Hufflepuff. Honestly, the House was doomed from the start when Hagrid described it in the first book by saying, “Everyone says Hufflepuff are a lot o’ duffers.” Since then, I have noticed that people bemoan when they are sorted into Hufflepuff, but I have never understood why. The qualities of being a Hufflepuff are that one is “just, loyal and unafraid of toil.” I hope to possess these qualities as a Hufflepuff and believe that every friend group needs to have at least one Hufflepuff.

Friend groups tend to generally consist of Gryffindors and Slytherins -- easily the two most popular Houses. However, that also means that the people in the group have big personalities that tend to fight for time in the spotlight. I know that in my friend group, I am the only one who considers myself to be a Hufflepuff. I am easily the introvert in a group of rambunctious extroverts and although at times it can be exhausting, I think that it is a fair addition. Not to sound overly impressed with myself, but there needs to be that one person who can bring the energy level down after a long day of classes.

Also, I like to think that I’m loyal, which makes me a good listener when someone needs someone to talk to or simply rant to. Don’t get me wrong, I’m the type of person who can rant until her face turns blue, but I’m also someone who can generally sit in silence and let someone go off before I offer some advice. Additionally, I am conscious when I am talking to someone that there are times when a conversation strictly stays between the two of us and does not leave the room. Loyalty has always been one of the qualities that I admire most in people, so I would hope that other people who may roll their eyes when I say I am a Hufflepuff would think twice after I told them the characteristics. That – coupled with the fact that I consider myself to be an extremely accepting person – makes me believe that I am both qualified to be a Hufflepuff, and also qualified to serve as a compassionate member of my friend group.

I will admit, when I was first sorted into Hufflepuff after taking the Pottermore quiz, I was unhappy because Gryffindor is the house that is glorified throughout the book series. My entire life was spent thinking that I would be a Gryffindor, purely because I wanted to be the person that everyone considered to be brave and daring. Now, I realize that bravery comes in different variations and sometimes, being brave means that you are a little bit different than the people you consider your closest friends and that is completely fine. I am proud to be considered a Hufflepuff, regardless of anyone telling me that Hufflepuffs are unimportant compared to the other Houses. In all honesty, if I emulate even some of the qualities of a Hufflepuff like I hope that I do, I think that makes me a pretty good person.