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by Katherine Erlikh

You may be wondering, "What the hell is a Hufflepuff?" After all, they can be so very, very hard to find, as I've learned. Well, you're in luck - for Hogwarts House Pride Week, this Slytherin went out and dug around until her friends took pity on her and found two and a half whole Hufflepuffs! Get your badger pride ready!

Hufflepuffs are the most underrated house at Hogwarts. The badgers have it tough; theyre mocked as the "throwaway" house, accused of being "disposable" and "boring", and bright yellow doesn't look very good on most people. True, it's a house that values honesty and integrity and inclusiveness - but no one cares about those things, right? Right?? Well... I mean... okay, as a Slytherin, I can't speak about things like honesty and integrity - however, I can tell you that the most Slytherin thing to be is a Hufflepuff, because everyone implicitly trusts Hufflepuffs. It's just a good strategy. The Hufflepuff house was home to notable wizards like Pomona Sprout, Cedric Diggory and Nymphadora Tonks.

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So, why are Hufflepuffs... well, Hufflepuffs? We've tracked down two whole Puffs to ask about their houses. TWO. Are you proud of us?

"I am proud to be a Hufflepuff because Hufflepuffs get along with everyone. We are kind and loyal to those we love and I am very true to that!" said one badger, Kenzie Riley, when I finally found her badger hideout (it was by the kitchens, by the way. How did I graduate from Hogwarts without knowing where the Hufflepuff house is?). "I think that house identity is important because everyone likes to know that they belong somewhere. I was so sad when Cedric died but then I remembered that it shows the true nature of a Puff. We are loyal to our loved ones and will stand up for them and what is right and for that I am proud!"

"Well the thing about Hufflepuffs is that they incorporate the best qualities of every house. We're loyal like Gryffindors, smart like Ravenclaws and resourceful like Slytherins. Plus, we're particularly good finders!" said another proud badger, Callan Reed (whom I found with the help of a Gryffinpuff). When asked about how she felt about her house's reputation amongst the other houses, she replied, "I feel like they're kinda looked down upon. They don't get enough credit. We really shouldn't be. I mean have you seen a badger? We're pretty darn tough we defend our friends til the very end."

At that point, I admitted I've never seen a badger, but I've seen photos OF badgers, does that count? Apparently, yes, it does.

I asked Callan what misconceptions she would change about her house if she could. "I would say its the fact that we're looked down upon. Like when I was sorted my friend said "HAHA you're in Hufflepuff!" I don't mean to harp on this, but being a Hufflepuff isn't bad at all! I'd love to see my house be as revered as Gryffindor!"

At that point, my Gryffinpuff friend cut in with a statement of, "HONEY BADGER DON'T GIVE A [censored]."

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So there you have it guys! Hufflepuffs DO exist. They find stuff very well. They sometimes sparkle. They make difficult colors work for them. They're fierce. They're strong. They're reliable. They're trustworthy. And they're not glory hogs. And if you mess with them, they will beat you to death with your own femurs. They're like the Canadians of Hogwarts - all polite until you step on their tails. So be proud, Puffs! Be proud!

"I think that house identity is important b/c everyone likes to know that they belong somewhere. I was so sad when Cedric died but then I remembered that it shows the true nature of a Puff. We are loyal to our loved ones and will stand up for them and what is right and for that I am proud."