What the hell is a Hufflepuff?

Before you ask any questions I never wanted to be a Hufflepuff. Actually when I first started Hogwarts I didn't actually know what a Hufflepuff was. I used to think it was something you said when you sneezed. Well you know ...."Achohufflepuff!" You have to admit it does kinda sound like that, but I am getting off topic. The point is that I never ... ever wanted to be a Hufflepuff! I hope you can guess which house I am in. To explain the situation I am in I need to take you back a bit; to before Hufflesnuffle or whatever it is called, before the magical world of Hogwarts. To the night before my father's disappearence.