7 Struggles of Being Hufflepuff

Published by The Rabbit Hole

Being in the most overlooked Hogwarts house isn’t always easy. Hufflepuffs aren’t recognized enough for their contributions to the wizarding world. And there are certain struggles that only Hufflepuffs will understand. So whether you’re a proud Puff or a friend of one, this list of seven Hufflepuff struggles will help you understand the difficulties.
 

1. “Hufflepuffs are lame/boring/dumb.”
   

Maybe it’s because Hufflepuffs are underrepresented, or maybe it’s because their symbol is a badger, but Hufflepuffs have a reputation for being exceptionally un-extraordinary. Just because they value kindness to others over their own bravery, intelligence, and ambitions, people seem to think that they lack bravery, intelligence, and ambition.
 

1. People take advantage of Hufflepuffs.

Sometimes Hufflepuffs can be too kind for their own good. This makes it easy for others to manipulate them for their own gain. Because what more does a Hufflepuff want than to help others? And though Hufflepuffs hate having bad suspicions of anyone, they need to be wary of others stepping all over them.
 

1. Hufflepuffs are the reconcilers.
   

If there’s one thing Hufflepuffs hate, it’s when their friends are fighting. So Hufflepuffs often find themselves in the middle of other people’s drama for the sake of being the reconciler. Being surrounded by so much negativity can have a harsh effect on Hufflepuffs, but they are willing to jump in the middle of it in order to bring about peace.
 

1. Hufflepuffs can overwork themselves.
   

Hufflepuffs aren’t just defined by their kindness; they are “unafraid of toil” (according to the Sorting Hat). Hufflepuffs are exceptionally hard workers, and it can be easy for them to get so caught up in a task that they don’t stop to take a break. 
 

1. There is no Hufflepuff merchandise.
   

Harry Potter merch is boundless. But Hufflepuff-specific merch? Not so much. It’s not uncommon to find a super cool pair of Gryffindor socks, only to discover that there is no Hufflepuff version. Often, Hufflepuffs must turn to homemade house gear if they want to celebrate their Puff side.
 

1. The Hufflepuff common room is right next to the kitchens.
   

This seems great at first, but it does make the temptation to snack much greater. And the eager-to-please House Elves don’t make it any easier. Adding this to three bottomless meals per day in the Great Hall, it can be difficult not to gain the “First-Year Fifteen”.
 

1. There are virtually no Hufflepuff characters.
   

Sure, there was Cedric, but he disappeared as quickly as he was introduced. Besides him, all of the other strong Hufflepuffs had already graduated by the time they were introduced. This makes it difficult to pinpoint a character and say, “This is what a Hufflepuff looks like.” Luckily, the Fantastic Beasts series introduced Newt Scamander, who is finally bringing some honor to Hufflepuff.
 
Being a Hufflepuff can be difficult. They tend to go all-in, even when it costs them. And their underrepresentation makes them easily misunderstood. But there are struggles in everything, and being in the house of Helga Hufflepuff is worth the struggle. Ask any Hufflepuff; they wouldn’t have it any other way.

Copyright © 2017 Megan Alms. All rights reserved.