A Beginners Guide to Being a Hufflepuff

Chapter One - Why A Badger?

Many people have asked me why I chose the badger as the symbol to represent my house, as they aren't not particularly feared, loved or idolized. Badgers are creatures that few have taken the time to understand, but when you do the reward is worth it. They might be some of the most interesting muggled creatures.

The badger, a creature known to vary it's behaviors from badger to badger based upon its surroundings and experiences, much like us homosapians. I specifically chose the European or Eurasian badger to represent my house as they are the ones you are most likely to find near and around Hogwarts.

Badgers are known for being especially loyal to their clans (usually groups of up to twelve badgers, like your years are). Although badgers are loyal they can also be quite territorial, whether it's their sett or the piece of land the clan has 'claimed' as their own. When protecting their cubs all badgers will fight off many predators.

Although I had only really interacted with European badgers when Hogwarts was founded, I also had the Honey Badger in mind when figuring out the animal to represent my house. Known for its ferocity, the honey badger is a type of badger that perhaps represents the other half of a lot of Hufflepuff's personalities. They have been known to take down snakes, eagles and even lions, making it one of the fiercest creatures on four legs out there.

Badgers are hardworking diggers who also have a tendency to keep their area's spotless. Going as far as to have a communal 'toilet' and to not bring food inside the sett. They are also known for their acute sense of smell and amazing hearing, allowing them to be excellent finders, even without their eyesight.

The badger was a creature that represented power without needing to flaunt it, hard work, loyalty and the idea that not everyone has to be the same or do the same to have the same values.

If you are a new Hufflepuff and have yet to get this message from your prefects, head of house, or just another fellow student. Be proud to be a badger, be proud to be fierce and loyal and hardworking. No, just because you're a Hufflepuff doesn't mean you need to be kind to everyone, you do not have to be quiet, you do not have to be meek, you do not have to let everyone else step all over you because your house tends to be more modest.

Thank you for reading the first chapter in your guide on how to be part of the house of the badger.

All my love,

Helga Hufflepuff

P.s. Dempsey needs to be fed, I think it's Mathew's turn

//Dempsey is Helga's pet Badger and the physical mascot of Hufflepuff, I thought she would totally have a pet badger - admin//