What it Means to Me to be...A Hufflepuff

I'm a part of the Harry Potter Generation. I was eight when the books first released in America, and seventeen when they ended. This series, this world full of magic and love and hope, had the most astounding impact on me. I honestly couldn't even begin to fathom who I would be without this series.

And for the longest time, like many others, I sneered at the house of Hufflepuff. I said the usual things ("That's the loser house", "That's the house you get put in when you aren't good enough for the other houses"). I prided myself on being a Ravenclaw.

And then, as I aged, my values shifted. But I still clung to the Ravenclaw house.

And then, Pottermore.

And the Sorting.

Hufflepuff.

Though it might sound odd, it threw me into an existential crises. Once that settled, I actually sat down to learn about the house I had been assigned (after a good two or so years of denial).

Learning about Hufflepuffs, the deeper values that make up the house aside from what's briefly mentioned by the Sorting Hat, it all clicked. Yes, this is where my values shifted. It made complete sense. And all at once I felt a sense of understanding, belonging.

And complete and utter vulnerability.

Now, there's a few tests around the internet that will offer about 100 or so questions and then break down how much, percentage wise, you are of each house.

50% Hufflepuff.
49% Ravenclaw.
1% Slytherin.

I accepted my Badger-iness. I learned to love my house.

And then Fantastic Beasts and Ilvermorny (which is a whole different post, and no, I do not know my Ilvermorny house. I refuse to. I'm so upset about that school).

And then in the fandom people began explaining the major differences between the schools.

Ilvermorny sorts you according to who you are in that exact moment.
Hogwarts sorts you based on your potential, and places you where you can best meet that potential.

And it all clicked.

So now I am proud to be a Hufflepuff. It has helped me to learn and love myself, and to get used to feeling incredibly raw when it comes to sharing who I am.

And now that I look back over this post, it seems somewhat pointless and like mere rambling.

But in actuality, I am laying every bit of myself out there for you all to see.

all images were found through Pinterest