Well said, Mundu. I agree -- I think the Puffs felt Harry was their own, especially in light of the DA. Harry didn't discriminate against anyone -- he was willing to teach and work with anyone who wanted to learn, and to me, that would be one of the "ties that bind."

Wasn't Loyalty a trait of Gryffindor?


If i had to peg Hufflepuff with a trait i'd say its their work ethic or *hardworking* as the books put it i believe.

To me that is a trait worth labeling your house with because if any person works hard enough they can be whatever they want. I may be wrong in this, but its my opinion. Besides the easy way to solve this is to look up the sorting hats song in the first book and see why each house is important, but unfortunately i do not have the book on me at the moment.

I don't have SS on me either, but I think that loyalty and hardworking were both qualities that were listed in the song. I think it went like this
"You might belong in Hufflepuff
where they are just and loyal
those hardoworking Hufflepuffs
are unafraid of toil"
I think that when the Hufflepuffs stood up, they were conscidering that Harry was one of thier own in that he was against LV and willing to fight. They believed in him, and that he was their only hope. He had earned their loyalty back after book 4 because of how he treated everyone, and how he fearlessly stood up for what he knew was right. He used his Gryffindor bravery to fight for Hufflepuff justice. There was no way any Puff would leave his side without a fight.

Hi there all!I figured out I would be in Hufflepuff and I am! In my opinion,the traits of the Hufflepuffs are very important,maybe the most important of all.I don't think bravery is better than loyalty!I praise the wit of the Ravenklaws though.What I am trying to say is that I don't understand why there has been discrimination in the books!Everyone who thought Hufflepuffs were second-class,including Draco Malfoy, was stupid to believe that.

People think Hufflepuff is for all students who don't fit in anywhere else. So they think we don't have good qualities. Well, we have! Loyalty is one of the most important things in life. Bravery and wisdom are great as well, but there of no use when you aren't loyal or surounded by loyal friends.

Ask anyone, and they'd tell you they'd rather have a friend who wasn't as bright, or as brave, or cunning, as long as they would stick with them through anything. It doesn't matter what you are, if you aren't loyal, no one will trust you. Look at Snape, look at Pettigrew, look at Neville. Loyalty always wins out, and if you aren't loyal, you're never really trusted.
As a question, Hard-Working is another Hufflepuff trait, or so the song says. How have we seen that in the Puffs in the book?

Well, I believe it was Ernie MacMillan who was boasting about doing anywhere from 8-10 hrs a day, studying for his OWLs? (I think it was him... my copy of OOTP is at home ) And I get the impression that Tonks may have had to really apply herself to get through her Auror's training as well... I know that she was fine at concealing and disguising herself (some days it really helps to be a metamorphmagus), but the other aspects didn't come as easily. Cedric was hard-working, as well... you'd have to be to get through the Triwizard Tournament. I mean, it required skill, diligence, intelligence, and perseverance, all at the same time!

Just another question to put out there to everyone along with tonks&lunalvr's.... since you've been sorted into Hufflepuff, have you recognized more of your Puff-related characteristics in yourself? I know that before I was sorted into this house, I may not have described myself to anyone as "loyal" even though I was, and always will be.

That's a good point. I was actually thinking of Ernie and his study skills when I wrote that question. I hadn't thought about how much tonks would have had to work as well.

I know that, after becoming a puff, I did realize more of those charachteristics in myself as well. I also learned a lot more about the Hufflepuff house, and how their qualities really do set them apart. I didn't realize what really qualified you to be a true Hufflepuff.

Yeah, I've been recognizing a few Puff traits in myself since I've been sorted as well. I reckon I'm pretty loyal... I've also been thinking that Hufflepuff really is the best house, if there is such a thing. The general feeling I get (though maybe I've just seriously romanticized it - I have been known to do this) is that Puffs are quite a compassionate lot who are pretty forgiving and aren't afraid to stand up for what they believe in. Not saying this isn't true for the other houses though (I mean the trio were pretty much the same). So yes I like to consider myself a pretty 'true' Hufflepuff, despite my initial desire to be sorted into Ravenclaw (shock! horror! lol).

Hello everyone! I'm new to this thread (and to Veritaserum in general), and I was a bit confused about my sorting at first... I'm definitely a procrastinator, and I'm not very hard-working when it comes to things like subjects I dislike in school, but then I thought about it, and if I set my heart on something I'll work hard to get it! It just has to be something that intrests me. All the other characteristics seem to fit as well, so I'm another happy member of the Hufflepuff House.

Yay! Welcome to Hufflepuff Hedwig476! It's a pretty nifty place to be.

I'm exactly the same with my qualities. I procrastinate something terrible and I don't really work at all in maths and chemistry (they are very boring - I don't ever see myself needing the ability to measure the distance between two flagpoles and finding the angles between them and another...) but I'm not afraid of hard work if it's something I care about.

Anyway have fun on VTM!

I tend to be a procrastinator about things as well, unless I really enjoy them. But, once I get to them, don't stop me in the middle of working!
I wonder if that is a Hufflepuff house trait, or just an everyone trait. What do you guys think?
And welcome Hedwig476 it's great to have you here. I'm glad you like it here.

Most people don't work hard if there isn't much motivation, but I think that the reason why Hufflepuffs are thought of as hardworking is because once we find motivation we will see our goal through to completetion, even if it means working a lot harder.

Hey Hedwig476! Welcome to Hufflepuff!

I'm thinking that procrastination is an everyone trait Who wants to do something they don't like? Hedwig, you hit the nail on the head -- if there's no motivation to do something, people won't work on it. Once a Puff decides to get something accomplished, it'll get done no matter what it takes... I think determination and dedication go hand in hand with being hard-working

Everyone is so friendly here!

Yes, I think that Hufflepuff House is very underappreciated. Sure, the Gryffindors are brave, but Hufflepuffs definitely can be also. Look at Cedric! And all the Hufflepuffs in DH! People seem to think that Hufflepuff is the pushover "weak" House, but that is certainly not true. I think that the difference between Gryffindors and Hufflepuffs is that Gryffidors can sometimes take risks to the point of recklessness, and sometimes those risks are uneccessary, while Hufflepuffs tend to be brave more in the sense of protecting people and standing up for what is right. And even though we stand up for what is right we still know when to keep our mouths shut and when it's not worth "winning to battle only to lose the war".

Wow, Hedwig, I think that's precisely what I've been trying to say in all my posts here! How do you do that?! A true Hufflepuff no less...

Yeah, I'm guessing procrastination is a trait that only the very rare don't possess. And I think I'm drawing links between these outsiders and those that do well in exams...

Ha, that's so true! I'm putting off my college application essays at the moment... Veritaserum is much more fun...

I've just realized that one of the best things about Hufflepuff House is the friends you make... If most Puffs are as loyal as they are percieved to be then you have some lifelong friends.

Unlike those friends who refuse to spend even a minute thinking about someone other than themselves because THEY are always the most important person in the world and everyone else just lives to make them happy... Lol, sorry, rant over, but my point is that in Hufflepuff you'll find decent friends who will stick by you.

I recently was sorted into the House of Hufflepuff and I think that assessment was spot on. While the other three houses have one or two strong characteristics, I see Hufflepuff as being "well-rounded". You would definitely want a Hufflepuff on your side. "Once a Hufflepuff calls you friend, they will defend you until the end."

Belladonna, I love your name *grin*

Just a thought I've had...
Based on the predominant traits recognised in the books, Gryffindors are brave, Slytherins are cunning, and Ravenclaws are intelligent (there's a lot more to them than that, but that's the high level overview). However, Hufflepuff seems to get their traits glossed over in favour of being the house that "takes everyone else." We as Hufflepuffs recognise that we're loyal, hardworking, compassionate and all the other admirable traits discussed here. Why do you think Hufflepuff gets dismissed so easily as the house that will take anyone when we have some of the best characteristics you'd want in a person?

Disclaimer: I'm not saying people sorted into the other houses aren't loyal, hardworking or compassionate, or to say Hufflepuffs aren't brave, cunning or intelligent. We all know how the sorting thing goes!

Yes, the world is definitely calling for more Hufflepuffs - the well-rounded type that don't think linear (in a way - these traits are what I reckon are good, and Hufflepuff is good, so I've jammed the two together. Feel free to dispute!), rather than those that are just in something for the glory or only does what suits them as opposed to what needs to be done. I think the reason Hufflepuffs get dismissed so easily is because their traits aren't instantly recognizable, or something that you can't award them for. Puff's are hard-working, but you can't really give a prize to a hard-working person, but you can give one to a person who achieves highly. These two traits quite often go hand-in-hand, but you can't really say 'this is the hardest working person', as there is no 'evidence' as such for it. Which is sad, because Hufflepuffs are quite often the nicest people, or the ones that you'd want round for dinner anyway.

I appreciate that the whole prizegiving analogy was a bit stupid, but we've just recently had our school prizegiving, which had a lot of the same people going up many times for awards, while the rest of the school just sat and watched, really. The whole 'achieve achieve' message just gets to me, as there's really no sense of community or nice qualities in people being promoted. And all the people who can afford to go to university anyway get all the free money to do so, while everyone else gets stuck with a student loan. Yes, I am a bit of a communist! But Hufflepuffs would never really get recognised would they? I think this is why no one wants to be one, and why house spirit is a bit low, which is understandable. Anyway, sorry, a little off topic.

As for the friends thing, I think that's true. However, I have some really annoying self-centred boring friends at school that I'm trying to shake off diplomatically. So I don't know whether I'd describe myself as loyal at the moment. But I figure that it's force of circumstance, and that to be blindly loyal runs the risk of being stupid and asking for anything you get really.

I think that the Hufflepuff got its reputation as the leftover house because of Helga Hufflepuff's accepting nature (Hufflepuffs in general can be pretty accepting people also, but not always). "Take all the rest" doesn't mean that just anyone can be sorted into Hufflepuff, but rather that Helga didn't want to turn away those who weren't pureblood or didn't have superior knowledge (not to say that Hufflpuffs can't be really smart!). She didn't accept people based on these qualities because being hard-working and loyal and compassionate is more important that just being smart (again, not saying that Ravenclaws aren't loyal or hardworking -- Luna shows this).

The sorting is very mysterious. I think people are placed in certain houses based on their msot prominent qualities because Hufflepuffs can be smart and oftentimes are brave, Ravenclaws can be extremely loyal, and Slytherins as well are often very loyal to their families. The Sorting Hat puts people into the houses that they fit best in based on their defining qualities, not every quality they posess.

good points, guys! To answer my own question, I figured that a Puff's traits of being hardworking, just and loyal aren't always as glaringly obvious as being brave, cunning or highly intelligent -- Mundu, you said it better than I can hope to do, so I'll just leave it at that
I don't think blind loyalty is a good thing either... you can be loyal and back your friends up, but you still need to use your common sense.

No blind loyalty is a bit stupid, but I suppose there is a very blurry line between good loyalty and stupid loyalty. So yes, as you said Belladawna common sense is the key.

Well we seem to have exhausted most topics of conversation here any ideas about what we could discuss in depth next?

I have no clues on a new topic, but I wanted to add to the blind loyalty discussion. J.K. says repeatedly in interviews, that one of the main things she wants to encourage is thinking for yourself. Ask the tough questions. Accept others, but don't just assume that what looks good, or pure really is. I don't think Hufflepuff's are blindly loyal, but they are loyal to their true friends. I think that sometimes it can be hard to be conscidered a true friend to a Hufflepuff, but those people that take the time realize the reward for having a hufflepuff as a friend.

Wow, is it ever quiet in here.. let's get this thread moving again! Here's a question -- were there any Hufflepuffs that we know of that went to the Dark side? Do you think a Hufflepuff is more susceptible to being influenced by the Dark Arts because they are compassionate and accepting of people, whoever they might be?

Oh good! I was going to give this thread a couple more days, then post a question myself. Okay, here we go:

Were there any Hufflepuffs that we know of that went to the Dark side? Do you think a Hufflepuff is more susceptible to being influenced by the Dark Arts because they are compassionate and accepting of people, whoever they might be?

I don't think that there were any Hufflepuffs that went over to the Dark side that I know of... There were a few dodgy ones though (Hepzibah Smith and Zacharius Smith spring to mind here). And I don't think they are more susceptible to being influenced by the darkies either. The Dark Arts is more or less about the pursuit of power, something that I don't think Hufflepuffs are overly concerned with. Puffs are very compassionate, but not thick. They would recognise the Dark Arts for what they are, rather than trying to see the good in it or something. In saying that, being as open-minded and fair as they are, they might try to rationalise the motives of the Dark Side and in turn feel sympathetic towards them. They also may be more forgiving and accepting towards the Dark Side if they can see what drove the Dark people to do what they did. Which could be a little dangerous, as they could be taken advantage of. Overall, though, Puffs probably wouldn't be influenced too much by the Dark Arts

What do you guys think?

well, I was waiting for someone else to get into this thread, too, but I better answer before this gets pushed down to the second page!

Were there any Hufflepuffs that we know of that went to the Dark side? Do you think a Hufflepuff is more susceptible to being influenced by the Dark Arts because they are compassionate and accepting of people, whoever they might be?

Off the top of my head, I can't think of any Puffs that were mentioned in the books that went over to the Dark side. Mundu, you pretty much nailed my thought on the head -- I don't think that Puffs are necessarily susceptible to being brought over to the Dark Side. They would certainly listen and accept people for who they are (not judge based on what side they fight for).

Yay the thread has been brought back to life again! All hail Belladawna! The one who has saved us twice from the horrors of the second page...

Now, another question for all the loyal puffs on the site:

Hufflepuffs are generaly described as hard-working and loyal, but also tend to be known as "a lot o' duffers", even by such nice, well-meaning people as Hagrid. How would the average puff (I'm thinking along the lines of Ernie MacMillan and Hannah Abott) be able to change this image without compromising their more favourable qualities? Is it necessary at all for them to change that image?

A horribly cheesy question, I know, but I thought I'd better put something in other than just singing Belladawna's praises...

LOL Mundu! Well, I don't mind if you keep singing my praises! *blush* Just kidding, really.

Hufflepuffs are generaly described as hard-working and loyal, but also tend to be known as "a lot o' duffers", even by such nice, well-meaning people as Hagrid. How would the average puff (I'm thinking along the lines of Ernie MacMillan and Hannah Abott) be able to change this image without compromising their more favourable qualities? Is it necessary at all for them to change that image?
That's not a cheesy question at all... and your follow up question would have been my answer anyways. Not to get snarky about anything, but really, why is it up to a regular Puff to change everyone's personal opinion about people sorted into Hufflepuff? We know full well that there is a lot more to Hufflepuff than the "we'll take anyone" mentality. The impression I get from the Puffs we meet in the books is that they're not out to change anyone's minds... they're out to learn and make friends, same as everyone else. I don't see it as a priority to them.
Let's just say that they were out to alter that general opinion, though. The best way that they could lose that "lot o' duffers" thing would be to do it through displaying their already existent qualities. Both Hannah and Ernie were members of the DA in OOTP (showing not only loyalty and hard work, but bravery), and helped defend Harry on the Hogwarts Express on the way home. Simply by being themselves, they're able to knock out that reputation. I guess, long story short, what I'm trying to say is that anyone who gets to know a Puff will know that assumptions made about the type of people they are really are nothing but assumptions and judgements.

Come on, Hufflepuffs... I know you're out there! Drop in! Ask a question!!

I have not had time to read this entire thread, but I would like to put down my own feelings about Hufflepuff: It's not just "all the rest". It really is the 'Hogwarts anonymous' house, and is often considered inferior. Even Hagrid introduces them as "a lot o' duffers". I think that the people in Hufflepuff should be honored just as much as the other houses, and in some situations, more. They are the ones who are kind, loyal, work hard--where would the world be without them? They're just not as power hungry as the Slytherins, so they would never say that. Go Black and Yellow!

I think I finally have an idea as to why us puffs are thought of as a lesser house.
Hufflepuffs, in general, are not as concerned with egotistical things as the other houses. Slytherins want power, Gryffindors want to be seen as brave, Ravenclaws want to be seen as really smart. Hufflepuffs just want to be themselves. They don't change depending on who is looking at them. They want to do their best and help others do their best. Of course there is exceptions, but I think that in general, Hufflepuffs stay out of all the ego and power struggles. That makes others think of them as lesser, because they don't care about such things.

Awesome, Belladawna! Someone laughed at my joke! Not that they don't already... If I may, I shall continue down your line of thought...

I pretty much agree with you tonks&lunalvr. Hufflepuffs don't do ego... It makes sense really. They're people who are more interested in the complexities of life - relationship-building and learning in general (not just academia) - rather than ladder-climbing. I guess that's what I like about Puffs. They just take people as they are, are totally unpretentious and don't care about their image so much. No doubt they'd rather look cool and brainy and all that, but they're happy to accept that they may not be. For example I've always wondered how Hermione would be able to accept herself if she failed an exam or something, wheras Ernie would be annoyed and sad, but probably wouldn't let it bring him down... You guys are right, it's sad that people judge Puff's as being 'lesser' just because they aren't interested in the superficial, and so therefore (in my opinion anyway) are the better people. But I guess that's the case everywhere you look isn't it. People not getting recognized when they should, and people getting recognized when they really shouldn't. I'd like them to speak up for themselves, but that would essentially kill who they are, like 17ginny17 said.

That's all from me for now... time to wrap some Christmas presents

P.S. I only put the above in so I could use the santa icon

Yeah, a Gryffindor would probably be best to stand up for the Hufflepuffs...they're known to stick up for others. I was actually a bit disappointed that J K Rowling did not put some really big Hufflepuff victory in the last book...something that really says "Hufflepuffs are heroes too, so there". Not just someone in Hufflepuff happening to do something good, unassociated to their house

I haven't been sorted yet--I posted my answers to the house quiz earlier today--but I think I'll be happy as long as its not Slytherin. My thinking went like this: I would like to be a Gryffindor…but then again I am primarily a thinking kind of person so why not Ravenclaw…but to be fair, I am probably a Hufflepuff because the most important thing for me is to be nice and kind and fair…and then I realize that I have no decision at all. :-) That’s why I need to take the quiz! I’m just happy that if I end up in Hufflepuff I will be glad to have companions like the people here, and if not, I will remain a loyal Hufflepuff supporter and defender!

Good luck with the sorting 17ginny17! May you not get into Slytherin! However, my sister was sorted into Slytherin, so I shant say that too loudly . She seems to enjoy it, so it can't be all bad! But I - and I'm sure my fellow Puff's agree - am very appreciative of your continuing loyalty and support of our house, even from someone who may not technically 'belong' as such. lol I'm deeply flattered anyway

(I apologise for my excruciatingly horrible poncy language. I have been reading far too many classical books of late (see?!))

I hope everyone here has had a fantastic Christmas (or in the process of having Christmas - time difference issues. For me, it's boxing day right now) and I wish you all a happy new year.

Hey 17ginny17 -- thanks for the "backup"! We'd love to have you here, but hey, any house is good (I'm kind of biased towards Hufflepuff though!) I definitely agreee with Mundu... regardless of where you're sorted into, we'll always appreciate your support!!

Anyhoo, I just wanted to drop in to say I hope everyone had a Merry Christmas, and to wish everybody a happy, healthy new year!!

We really need to get this thread moving again... No one has posted all year! It's rather shameful. Has anyone got any ideas for new questions?

By the way, I hope everyone here had a fantastic New Year

Ok, after a looong while I'm back, so I'm going to answer some questions

Were there any Hufflepuffs that we know of that went to the Dark side? Do you think a Hufflepuff is more susceptible to being influenced by the Dark Arts because they are compassionate and accepting of people, whoever they might be?
No, I really don't think so...as they are 'compassionate and accepting of people' I don't think any of them could be attracted to the Dark Side, in which the vast majority of the people there are compeltely the opposite...I agree with Belladawna they would probable accept other people for who they truly are without judging from which side they come.


Hufflepuffs are generaly described as hard-working and loyal, but also tend to be known as "a lot o' duffers", even by such nice, well-meaning people as Hagrid. How would the average puff (I'm thinking along the lines of Ernie MacMillan and Hannah Abott) be able to change this image without compromising their more favourable qualities? Is it necessary at all for them to change that image?
Hmmmm....the impresion I got throughout the books was that the Puffs really care about what the people who are closest to them think, that they really see them for what they trully are...The rest, it's just that...the rest...puffs do not have a shred of egocentrism, so they'd never consider changing the way the rest see them as a prority.

It seems to me that Hufflepuff does come across as being soft and docile. The name alone sounds cushiony. What people seem to forget is that the house animal is the Badger. That is one critter I would not want to tickoff.

Welcome back, Phoenix_1!



LOL Candy! Just for giggles, I searched out the badger on Wikipedia, and this is how they describe the badger: "Badgers are fierce animals and will protect themselves and their young at all costs. Badgers are capable of fighting off much larger animals such as wolves, coyotes and bears"
Does everyone think that this corresponds to a Hufflepuff? Fierce, willing to protect their young (or loved ones/friends) at all costs, and able to fight off much larger adversaries? Not to toot our collective horn here, but I think it's pretty accurate Do you think that the badger is a good animal to represent Hufflepuff, or should we have had a different animal?

I shall second Belladawna with that. Welcome back Phoenix_1! I hope you had a nice time.

Do you think that the badger is a good animal to represent Hufflepuff, or should we have had a different animal?

Good question!

I think that it is quite an appropriate animal for the house of the loyal and hardworking. It defends its young from much larger creatures than itself... wow. That is so brave (although that is Gryffindor ) and so fiercely loyal - something that I think the house of Hufflepuff epitomises perfectly. Their ability and willingness to fight off bigger and more powerful foes is quite extraordinary as well. I read it as - a bit of a long-shot here, I know - someone who is willing to sacrifice themselves, to endure pain or whatever, for the greater good (dare I say those words???). To have faith that there is good out there, and to dedicate yourself to that good. It is also representative of the puffs who are more than the 'sweet' image associated with the house. Belladawna, the image in you're siggy explains this perfectly.

So Hufflepuff/Badger? Absolutely. It looks cuddly and totally un-fierce, but still waters run deep...

Just as a side-note, I thought I might mention that my animagus is a badger. Uh-huh. *examines nails in an arrogant fashion* A true Hufflepuff right here, guys.

Thanks very much Belladawna and Mundu

Do you think that the badger is a good animal to represent Hufflepuff, or should we have had a different animal?

I agree with Mundu...the badger is the perfect choice to portray the students sorted in this House...they are fierce, loyal and protective; although they don't go picking up fights, but they definitely won't back down from a challenge and will prove to be a formidable adversary.

I've seen this question in another place and I thought it would be interesting if we gave it a shot...I don't think I've seen something simmilar in the thread so here it goes:
What do you think is the meaning of J.K. Rowling of splitting the students into Houses, and why did she make Hufflepuff House from a literary standpoint?

What do you think is the meaning of J.K. Rowling of splitting the students into Houses, and why did she make Hufflepuff House from a literary standpoint?

I shall take a crack at it. I believe the reason she split the students into houses was to draw lines. The sorting ceremony is a good way to instantly draw lines which distinguish characters from others. Moreover, when introducing new characters (such as Slughorn, Cho, Cedric, etc.) telling us what house they are/were in instantly gives us some small impression of the type of person they might be or what they value. It is considerably easier than fully developing characters.

From a literary standpoint, the conflicts between houses (namely Gryffindor and Slytherin) was a near constant source of plotline and background. Knowing they are separate and always fighting ("Gryffindors and Slytherins loathed one another on principle.") allows the tension to be there for any encounter, even when the plot is directed elsewhere.

OK, I'll go on and answer my question
What do you think is the meaning of J.K. Rowling of splitting the students into Houses, and why did she make Hufflepuff House from a literary standpoint?
Well, I'm going try to answer the 2 question as a whole, and be the clearest as I can be while doing that...
As After the Burial said, JKR might've split the students into Houses in order to draw lines; also I might add she did it to teach the young readers about prejudice among other things.
Moreover, as we all know, she tried to group the different traits of a person in 4 different Houses, but when thinking about it, there seems to be some sort of relation between them and the importance these Houses have throughout the books.
I'll explain my point a little further...For example, while the colours red and green could be considered as complementary (like Gryffindor/Slytherin), the traits of the people sorted in Gryfindor and Ravenclaw are antagonistic: 'impulse and emotion' vs. 'knowledge and logic'. This is also concerted in Slytherin/Hufflepuff: those with ambition who contrive to stand alone on the top, opposed to those who work hard together as equals.
It strikes me that, the importance of these Houses was very natural...
Hufflepuff was seen as inferior because, sadly, the good, loyal and hardworking are always there, yet, they usually don't add value to the plot - except in some cases (in the book would be Cedric, Tonks, Ernie, etc). Nonetheless, Hufflepuff's trait of tolerance acts like some kind of 'bridge' between the wizarding community.
Gryffindor would naturally be seen as the most important due to the fact that the main character was sorted there, whilst his greatest rival is in Slytherin, logically, the attention would be placed there as well....and that would be giving a 'constant source of plotline' as After the Burial stated.
Maybe if Harry as well as Ron and Hermione never had any kind of relationship with the students sorted in Ravenclaw , (Harry having a crush on Cho, Luna, etc) they would have been seen as a lesser House, or nothing but bookworms to readers.

I added a little bit of colour to break the monotony....

Good question! I apologise for not having answered it sooner, I have been on my summer holiday. Sun... surf... sand...

What do you think is the meaning of J.K. Rowling of splitting the students into Houses, and why did she make Hufflepuff House from a literary standpoint?

Phoenix_1: I think you've got a good point. Out of the four houses, Ravenclaw (you're right! it does break the monotony ) was represented the least. As far as I can remember, the Trio never had any classes with the Ravenclaws, and never really knew them. Ravenclaws only really began showing up in the books in the form of Harry's crush on Cho - which came quite a while after we had been introduced to the rest of the houses. To me Ravenclaw was always a bit of an enigma. I never really knew the house, and it was only circumstancial that Luna and Cho were sorted there, as the books never really focussed on it.

Gryffindor I think was seen as the 'house to be in'. Hufflepuff was too goody-too-shoes, Slytherin was too evil and arrogant, Ravenclaw was too brainy and aloof. Gryffindors were brave, brainy and worthy of 'hero' status, while puffs had to work a lot harder to get there (not saying Harry etc didn't work hard); no one accepted Slytherins to be heroes, no matter how much they deserved it; and Ravenclaws I felt were never interested in that sort of thing. Once Harry and the others were sorted into Gryffindor, it was inevitable that it was to be the main house and so the desired house. I've just always been a bit sad and oh-so-slightly resentful that it had to be like that. Personally, I get a bit sick of the brave.

Slytherin, as you said, was always going to have a certain degree of attention on it, as the main character's rival was there, and also because Slytherin represents (however deservedly) the evil and arrogant: in the form of both brutes (Crabbe/Goyle) and the rich, respectable ones who are never going to get their own hands dirty if they can manage it (Malfoy, Voldy a bit too). As Darron said, when Slytherins and Gryffindors are together, there is always going to be conflict and tension.

As for Hufflepuff, they are very fair and loyal. Some form of conflict is necessary to a plot, and conflict tends to be not particularly fair-minded. Hence (a long-shot, I know) they aren't likely to be a main feature in the conflict. The times when there is a strong Hufflepuff storyline is in CoS and GoF, times they felt either scared or hard-done-by.

I fear I may be rambling, and I feel that I have not really answered the question. With the literary aspect of it, I more or less agree with Darron. I also think that Ravenclaw is the forgotten house, whilst Hufflepuff is the undervalued one.

Just as an aside, I'll add a new question: What characters in the series do you think should have been sorted into Hufflepuff that weren't, and vice versa? Do you agree with Dumbledore's statement that Hogwarts perhaps sorts too soon?

What characters in the series do you think should have been sorted into Hufflepuff that weren't, and vice versa? Do you agree with Dumbledore's statement that Hogwarts perhaps sorts too soon?

i dont really know about the characters, but i agree with dumbledores statement.
people change and mature. i think when students get there for the first time (at the age of 11) theyre just too young to depict how theyre going to be for the rest of their lives.

hmmmm...
new here..
so being a hufflepuff to me means that, i value everyone around me. i'm true. i'm dependable.
yeah..

I would have liked to learn more about Hufflepuff in the series. The house doesn't stand out at all..except for a few..Cedric...Tonks...Ernie I mean...they play a pretty big role in the final fight. Gryffindor, Ravenclaw and Hufflepuff all stayed behind to fight (if they were of age and a few who weren't). If they are that important to risk their lives and fight...then shouldn't they be important enough to have some kind of spot light in the series (like everyone else)!?

I agree with browneyedgirl At 11 years old...your not nearly as mature and therefore I think a little to soon to be chosen into which house you go into. Since I was 11 I changed A LOT! And so did the characters in the books.

What characters in the series do you think should have been sorted into Hufflepuff that weren't, and vice versa? Do you agree with Dumbledore's statement that Hogwarts perhaps sorts too soon?

I really don't think that any characters could fit into any house that they weren't placed in. And maybe i just think that because it's the only thing i've known but, like you guys have said before (i've been reading), the house kinda gives you an idea of what inner qualities each character has and that helps you decide where to place each person in your mind and you can remember people that way.

I like what Dumbledore said. These young wizards and witches are coming into this school at the age of 11. At eleven, you're still considered a kid. In regular life, in school, people change. I've heard countless stories of friends drifting apart, people changing who they are. People grow up. And when you grow up, you discover who you are. when you're eleven, you're not supposed to know exactly what you're going to be when you're 19. You also can't sterotype everyone just before they start to develop it'll just confuse them on who they're supposed to be.

so wow everyone, its been a while since i've been on this thread, and i've realized that its been kinda dead. what happened hufflepuffs?!

so, i decided to think of some kind of question that would hopefully revive this thread, and that is:

Why do you think JKR made Hufflepuff the least appreciated house out of the four?

yea, jeez Hufflepuffs. Where have you been?

Why do you think JKR made Hufflepuff the least appreciated house out of the four?

As it's said, I think, in a sorting hat song, Slytherin wanted the cunning, Ravenclaw the smart, and Gryffindor the brave. So Hufflepuff took the rest. The house is a jumble of all different kinds of people. When you have something like that, there isn't one characteristic that sticks out. My opinion is that there's nothing you can remember about them so you just forget about them.